Ego Defense Mechanisms

Front 1

Compensation

Back 1

covering up a real or perceived weakness by emphasizing a trait one considers more desirale

Front 2

Denial

Back 2

Refusing to acknowledge the existence of a real situation or the fellings assoc. with it

Front 3

Displacement

Back 3

The transfer of feelings from one target to another that is considered less threatening or is neutral

Front 4

Identification

Back 4

An attempt to increase self-worth by acquiring certain attributes and characteristics of an individual on admires

Front 5

Intellectualization

Back 5

An attempt to avoid expressing actual emotions associated with a stressful situation by using the intellectual processes of logic,reasoning, and analysis

Front 6

Introjection

Back 6

Integrating the beliefs and values of another individual into one's own ego structure

Front 7

Isolation

Back 7

Separating a thought or memory from the feeling tone or emotion associated with it

Front 8

Projection

Back 8

Attributing feelings or impulses unacceptable to one's self to another person

Front 9

Rationalization

Back 9

Attemptin to make excuses or formulate logical reasons to justify unacceptable feelings or behaviors

Front 10

Reaction Formation

Back 10

Preventing unacceptable or undesirable thoughts or behaviors from being expressed by exaggerating opposite thoughts or types of behaviors

Front 11

Regression

Back 11

Responding to stress by retreating to an earlier level of development ant the comfort measures assoc. with that level of functioning

Front 12

Repression

Back 12

Involuntary blocking unpleasant feelings and experiences from one's awareness

Front 13

Sublimation

Back 13

Rechanneling of drives or impulses that are personally or socially unacceptable into activities that are constructive

Front 14

Supression

Back 14

The voluntary blocking of unpleasant feelings and experiences from one's awareness

Front 15

Undoing

Back 15

Symbolically negating or canceling out an experience that one finds intolerable