Term
Adaptative
Defense Mechanism |
|
Definition
| Solves the problem that is causing the anxiety, so the anxiety is decreased. The patient is objective, rational, and productive. |
|
|
Term
Palliative
Defense Mechanism |
|
Definition
Temporarily decreases the anxiety but does not solve the problem, so the anxiety eventually returns. Temporary relief allows the patient to return to problem solving.
Anxiety about the examination is temporarily reduced by jogging for half an hour. Effective studying is then possible and a grade of A is still achievable. |
|
|
Term
Maladaptive
Defense Mechanism |
|
Definition
Unsuccessful attempts to decrease the anxiety without attempting to solve the problem. The anxiety remains.
Anxiety about the examination is first ignored by going to a movie and then handled by frantically cramming for a few hours. A passing grade of C is obtained. |
|
|
Term
Dysfunctional
Defense Mechanism |
|
Definition
Is not successful in reducing anxiety or solving the problem. Even minimal functioning becomes difficult, and new problems begin to develop.
Anxiety about the discharge is handled by ignoring the nurse and starting an argument with another patient. When asked to take a time out, the patient leaves the hospital without being discharged; his bill is not paid by insurance. He does not get his prescriptions and is brought back to the hospital in 3 weeks. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Unconscious refusal to admit an unacceptable idea or behavior
Mr. Davis, who is alcohol-dependent, believes that he can control his drinking if he so desires |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Unconscious and involuntary forgetting of painful ideas, events and conflicts
Ms. Young, a victim of incest, no longer remembers the reason she always hated the uncle who molested her. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Conscious exclusion from awareness anxiety-producing feelings, ideas and situations
Ms. Ames states to the nurse that she is not ready to talk about her recent divorce. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Conscious or unconscious attempts to make or prove that one’s feelings or behaviors are justifiable Mr. Jones, diagnosed with schizophrenia, state that he cannot go to work because his co-workers are mean, instead of admitting that his illness interferes with working. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Consciously or unconsciously using only logical explanations without feelings or an affective component
Ms. Mann talks about her son’s death from cancer as being merciful and show no signs of her sadness and anger. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The unconscious separation of painful feelings and emotions from an unacceptable idea, situation, or object
Ms. Adams recalls that when she was sexually molested as a child, she felt as if she were outside of her body watching what was happening without feeling anything. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Conscious or unconscious attempt to model oneself after a respected person
Ms. Kelly states to the nurse, “When I get out of the hospital, I want to be a nurse just like you.” |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Unconsciously incorporating values and attitudes of others as if they were your own Without realizing it..
Mr. Chad wishes, talks, and acts similarly to his therapist, analyzing other patients. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Consciously covering up for a weakness by overemphasizing or making up a desirable trait
Mr. Hahn, who is depressed and unable to share his feelings with other patients, writes and becomes known for his expressive poetry. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Consciously or unconsciously channeling instinctual drives into acceptable activities
Mr. Smith, a former perpetrator of incest who fears relapse, forms a local chapter of Sex Addicts Anonymous. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A conscious behavior that is the exact opposite of an unconscious feeling
Ms. Wren, who unconsciously wishes her mother were dead, continuously tells staff that her mother is wonderful. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Consciously doing something to counteract or make up for a transgression or wrongdoing
After accidentally eating another patient’s cookies, Ms. Donnelly apologizes to the patients, cleans the refrigerator, and labels everyone’s snack with their names. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Unconsciously discharging pent-up feelings to a less threatening object
A husband comes home after a bad day at work and yells at his wife. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Unconsciously (or consciously) blaming someone else for one’s difficulties or placing one’s unethical desires on someone else
An adolescent comes home late from a dance and states that her date would not bring her home on time. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The unconscious expression of intrapsychic conflict symbolically through physical symptoms.
A student awakens with a migraine headache the morning of a final examination and feels too ill to take the test. She does not realize that 2 hours of cramming left her unprepared. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Unconscious return to an earlier and more comfortable developmental level
A 6-year-old child has been wetting the bed at night since the birth of his baby sister. |
|
|
