What is a defence mechanism?

A defence mechanism is an unconscious psychological process that protects the mind from anxiety or other forms of psychological distress. Defence mechanisms can distort reality, block out painful memories, or help people cope with difficult situations.

Some common defence mechanisms include:

Repression: The unconscious blocking out of painful or anxiety-provoking thoughts, feelings, or memories.

Suppression: The conscious effort to push away unwanted thoughts, feelings, or memories.

Projection: Attributing one's own unwanted thoughts, feelings, or behaviours to someone else.

Displacement: Redirecting feelings or impulses from their original target to a safer or more acceptable one.

Sublimation: Channelling unacceptable or dangerous impulses into socially acceptable or productive activities.

Regression: Reverting to an earlier stage of development in order to cope with stress or anxiety.

Reaction formation: Adopting the opposite of one's true feelings or beliefs in order to avoid anxiety.

Fantasy: Withdrawing into an imaginary world in order to escape from reality.

Intellectualisation: Overanalysing a situation or problem in order to avoid confronting emotional distress.

Denial: Refusing to accept the truth about a situation or one's own feelings.

Defence mechanisms can be helpful in the short term by providing temporary relief from anxiety or distress. However, they can become problematic when they are used excessively or interfere with healthy functioning.