Defense mechanism.

In psychoanalytic theory, a defence mechanism is an unconscious way to protect one's personality from unpleasant thoughts which may otherwise cause anxiety. This can work well in small doses. However, a defence mechanism can also lead to a neurosis if it causes a person to adopt ineffectual or inappropriate coping strategies.

Examples of defence mechanisms include:

• Displacement. Redirecting emotion from a 'dangerous' object to a 'safe' object. For example, punching a cushion when angry at your partner.
• Introjection. Internalising the values or characteristics of another person, usually someone who is significant to the individual in some way. For example, adopting the ideals of a charismatic leader in order to deal with feelings of ones own inadequacy.
• Projection. The opposite of introjection. Attributing one's own emotions or desires to an external object or person. For example, saying others hate you when it is you who hates the others.
• Rationalization. Inventing a logical reason to justify an already taken emotional action. For example, striking one's child in anger and insisting it was for the good of the child.
• Reaction formation. Converting an uncomfortable feeling into its opposite. For example, turning hate into love.
• Regression. Behaviour reverting to a previous age.
• Repression. Moving thoughts unacceptable to the Ego into the unconscious, where they cannot be easily accessed.
• Sublimation. A 'healthy' form of displacement. For example, playing sports to relieve stress or anger.
• Transference.Either positive or negative - transfering feelings created by previous experiences from their source on to someone else.
• Denial. Insisting something did not occur.

See also

• Neurosis
• Psychoanalysis
• Sigmund Freud