Defense Mechanisms Examples
A smoker concludes that the evidence linking cigarette used to health problems is scientifically worthless.
Denial
Sixteen-year old Theodore started using drugs, and the changes in his behavior were fairly obvious however, his parents didn't believe the school principal when she called to talk with them about Theodore's problem.
Denial
After Dolores rejected him, Philip told his friends that he didn't think she was very attractive or interesting, and that he really wasn't all that crazy about her.
Denial or Reaction Formation
After a very stressful day at work, Sabrina arrives home & immediately begins yelling at her two children for not cleaning their rooms.
Displacement
After parental scolding a younger girl takes her anger out on her little brother.
Displacement
Even the best baseball players will sometimes strike out on an easy pitch. When this happens, the player's next action may be to throw his bat or kick the water cooler with all his might.
Displacement
The majority group of a culture may blame all the various ills of society on a small minority group. This is a process termed "scapegoating" and is a factor in racial and religious prejudice.
Displacement
Frank feels that his younger son, Ralph, is unattractive and not particularly smart. Frank accuses his wife of picking on Ralph and favoring their other son.
Projection
The woman with a strong sexual drive may feel that most other women exhibit flirtatious behavior of wearing revealing clothes.
Projection
Dwayne, raised in a xenophobic family, is afraid of other ethnic groups. Outwardly, he protests the KKK and is quick to call others racist if they use controversial terms.
Projection or Reaction Formation
A student watches TV instead of studying, saying that "additional studying wouldn't do any good anyway."
Rationalization
After getting home from an incredible shopping spree, Stacey explains to her husband why she "had" to purchase each of these items.
Rationalization
The habitual drinker nay insist that he really doesn't care much for the taste of alcohol but feels that he is obliged to drink with his friends "just to be sociable."
Rationalization
A parent who resents a child, spoils the child with outlandish gifts.
Reaction Formation
Norm behaves like a stereotypical "he-man;" however, he's actually anxious and insecure about his gender identity.
Reaction Formation
An adult has a temper tantrum when he doesn't get his way.
Regression
The young wife, after a conflict with her husband, gives up the marriage and returns to the home of her parents. She again takes on the role of a dependent child who expects unlimited love and indulgences.
Regression
A traumatized soldier has no recollection of the details of a closed brush with death.
Repression
Many people who were victims of the concentration camps were unable to recall the events that occurred during their internment.
Repression
George's new supervisor is very difficult to work for. Recently, George has begun going to the gym after work.
Sublimation