Primitive Defenses
September 19th, 2006 by Mike
Splitting
Compartmentalizing experiences of self and other such that integration is not possible. When the individual is confronted with the contradictions in behavior, thought, or affect, he or she regards the differences with bland denial or indifference. This defense prevents conflict stemming from the incompatibility of the two polarized aspects of self or other.
Projective identification
Both an intrapsychic defense mechanism and an interpersonal communication, this phenomenon involves behaving in such a way that subtle interpersonal pressure is placed on another person to take on characteristics of an aspect of the self or an internal object that is projected into that person. The person who is the target of the projection then begins to behave, think, and feel in keeping with what has been projected.
Projection
Perceiving and reacting to unacceptable inner impulses and their derivatives as though they were outside the self. Differs from projective identification in that the target of the projection is not changed.
Denial
Avoiding awareness of aspects of external reality that are difficult to face by disregarding sensory data.
Dissociation
Disrupting one’s sense of continuity in the areas of identity, memory, consciousness, or perception as a way of retaining an illusion of psychological control in the face of helplessness and loss of control. Although similar to splitting, dissociation may in extreme cases involve alteration of memory of events because of the disconnection of the self from the event.
Idealization
Attributing perfect or near-perfect qualities to others as a way of avoiding anxiety or negative feelings, such as contempt, envy, or anger.
Acting out
Enacting an unconscious wish or fantasy impulsively as a way of avoiding painful affect.
Somatization
Converting emotional pain or other affect states into physical symptoms and focusing one’s attention on somatic (rather than intrapsychic) concerns.
Regression
Returning to an earlier phase of development or functioning to avoid the conflicts and tensions associated with one’s present level of development.
Schizoid fantasy
Retreating into one’s private internal world to avoid anxiety about interpersonal situations.