Defense Mechanisms II (Neurotic/Mature)

Neurotic Defenses

Characteristic of a functioning where the ego tries to mediate conflicts. Displacement redirects an emotion (usually anger) from the original source (e.g. a boss) to a less threatening substitute object (e.g. a partner or children).

Rationalization seeks superficial logical explanations to justify unacceptable behaviors, as opposed to intellectualization which is more technical and abstract.

Reactive Formation covers up an unacceptable impulse by exaggeratedly expressing the opposite (e.g., treating someone unconsciously hated with excessive affection).

Repression expels painful memories or desires from consciousness, keeping them in the unconscious.

Mature or Adaptive Defenses

They represent a high level of adaptation. Sublimation channels unacceptable impulses towards socially valued activities (e.g. art, sport).

Sense of Humor allows coping with painful situations by emphasizing their ironic or amusing aspects to make them tolerable.

Altruism entails helping others as a way of dealing with one's own past conflicts, preventing others from suffering what one suffered, but in a constructive way.

Summary

Neurotic defenses mediate ego conflicts. Displacement redirects emotions to less threatening objects, while Rationalization seeks superficial logical justif