defence mechanisms

Displacement:   

This is the transfer of desires or impulses onto a substitute person or object.  For example, if we are reprimanded by our boss, we may 'take it out' on a less dangerous substitute (e.g. shouting at our children, slamming a door or stamping our feet.) 

projection:  

This is where characteristics or desires that are unacceptable to a Peron's ego are externalised or projected onto someone else.  a person that has aggressive feelings towards others may find it unacceptable to admit that they have such feelings.  THEY MAY BE PROJECTED ONTO OTHERS SUCH THAT they NOW FEEL THAT THEY HAVE AGGRESSIVE FEELINGS TOWARDS him or her.  

reaction formation:   

this IS WHERE A PERSON DISPLAYS BEHAVIOUR THAT IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF AN IMPULSE THAT THEY DARE NOT EXPRESS OR ACKNOWLEDGE.  for EXAMPLE, A MAN WHO DEALS WITH HIS HOMOSEXUAL FEELINGS BY DISPLAYING OUTWARD HOSTILITY TOWARDS HOMOSEXUALS.

regression:   

an individual attempts to avoid current anxiety by withdrawing to the behaviour patterns of an earlier age.

repression:   

This can take two forms; the expulsion of thought and memories that might provoke anxiety from the conscious mind (primary repression) and the process by which hidden id impulses are blocked from ever reaching consciousness (primal repression).  It is important to note, that within Freudian theory, repressed memories are not deactivated, they continue to affect a person's behaviour later in adulthood.  However, this is mostly in disguised or symbolic forms (such as dreams or neurotic behaviour). 

rationalisation:   

This is an attempt to explain our behaviour to ourselves and others, in ways that are seen as rational and socially acceptable, instead of irrational and unacceptable.  it is to find a logic in our actions.  For example, we may hide a rather immature need to eat off a particular plate or drink from a particular cup by explaining that we 'don't want to catch someone else's germs' or that we hit our children because they are naughty.  

Denial: 

This is where a person may deny some aspect of reality.  For example, someone who cannot come to terms with the death of a loved one may still talk to them, lay the table for them and even wash and iron their clothes.  

identification:  

this is incorporating an external object (usually another Person) into one's own personality, making them part of one's self.  they come to think, act and feel as if one were that person.