Many survivors of boarding school abuses retain conflicting thoughts and emotions about their experience. Common defense mechanisms include denial and minimization of what occurred. Some reported only positive experiences at boarding school until they were asked to explain why they would not allow their children or grandchildren to attend. All those who attended boarding schools experienced intense loneliness, but responded in markedly different ways. Some were more resilient than others and coped through involvement in sports, bonding with peers, sustaining a sense of optimism, and remaining active by making phone calls, writing, or socializing with friends. Others isolated themselves, engaged in substance abuse, overused defense mechanisms
