Higher-level Neurotic Defenses
September 19th, 2006 by Mike
Introjection
Internalizing aspects of a significant person as a way of dealing with the loss of that person. One may also introject a hostile or bad object as a way of giving one an illusion of control over the object. Introjection occurs in nondefensive forms as a normal part of development.
Identification
Internalizing the qualities of another person by becoming like the person. Whereas introjection leads to an internalized representation experiences as an “other,” identification is experienced as part of the self. This, too, can serve nondefensive functions in normal development.
Displacement
Shifting feelings associated with one idea or object to another that resembles the original in some way.
Intellectualization
Using excessive and abstract ideation to avoid difficult feelings.
Rationalization
Justification of unacceptable attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors to make them tolerable to oneself.
Sexualization
Endowing an object or behavior with sexual significance to turn a negative experience into an exciting and stimulating one or to ward off anxieties associated with the object.
Reaction formation
Transforming an unacceptable wish or impulse into its opposite.
Repression
Expelling unacceptable ideas or impulses or blocking them from entering consciousness. This defense differs from denial in that the latter is associated with external sensory data, whereas repression is associated with inner states.
Undoing
Attempting to negate sexual, aggressive, or shameful implications from a previous comment or behavior by elaborating, clarifying, or doing the opposite.