Question

Check your understanding of defense mechanisms by identifying specific defenses in the story below. Each example of a defense mechanism is underlined, with a number beneath it. Write in the defense at work in each case in the numbered spaces after the story. The answers are in Appendix A. My boyfriend recently broke up with me after we had dated seriously for several years. At first, I cried a great deal and \(\underline{\text { locked myself in my room, where I pouted endlessly. }}\) was sure that my former boyfriend felt as miserable as I did.\(\underline{\text { I told several friends that he was probably lonely and depressed.}}\) Later, I decided that I hated him.\(\underline{\text { I was happy about the breaküp and talked about how much / was going to enjoy my newfound freedom,}}\) 1 went to parties and socialized a great deal and just forgot about him. \(\underline{\text { It's funny-at one point / couldn't even remember his phone number. }}\) Then I started pining for him again. But eventually l began to look at the situation more objectively. I realized that he had many faults and that \(\underline{\text { we were bound to break up sooner or later, so / was better off without him }}\) 1\. _______________

Short answer

Answer: The four defense mechanisms used by the protagonist are 1) Regression: retreating to an earlier stage of development and exhibiting immature coping mechanism, 2) Projection: attributing one's feelings, thoughts, or motives to another person, 3) Denial: refusing to acknowledge painful events, thoughts, or feelings, and 4) Rationalization: creating logical explanations to justify negative or unwanted thoughts, behaviors, or situations.

Step-by-step solution

1. Identification of the first defense mechanism

The protagonist locked herself in her room and pouted endlessly after the breakup. This example represents the defense mechanism called "Regression." Regression is the act of retreating to an earlier stage of development, resulting in an immature coping mechanism. Here, the protagonist's coping mechanism is similar to a child who locks themselves in their room because they cannot deal with their emotions.

2. Identification of the second defense mechanism

The protagonist told several friends that her ex-boyfriend was probably lonely and depressed. This example demonstrates "Projection." Projection is a defense mechanism where one attributes their feelings, thoughts, or motives to another person. In this case, the protagonist projects her feelings of loneliness and sadness onto her ex-boyfriend.

3. Identification of the third defense mechanism

The protagonist states that she was happy about the breakup, talked about her newfound freedom, and went to parties and socialized a lot. This represents the defense mechanism called "Denial." Denial involves not accepting reality by refusing to acknowledge painful events, thoughts, or feelings. In this case, the protagonist refuses to acknowledge her pain and sadness.

4. Identification of the fourth defense mechanism

The protagonist ultimately realizes that her ex-boyfriend had many faults and that they were bound to break up, so she is better off without him. This example illustrates "Rationalization." Rationalization is a defense mechanism where one creates logical explanations to justify negative or unwanted thoughts, behaviors, or situations. Here, the protagonist rationalizes the breakup by focusing on her ex-boyfriend's faults and the inevitability of their breakup.

Key concepts

Regression

Regression is a fascinating psychological defense mechanism that involves reverting back to an earlier stage of development in response to stress or conflict. When we encounter situations that make us feel overwhelmed or helpless, we might unconsciously "regress" to a simpler, more comforting time in our lives.
For instance, it is not uncommon for adults to throw a tantrum or become excessively emotional like a child when things don't go their way.

• It serves as a temporary escape from reality.
• It allows the person to express their emotions in a seemingly familiar and protective way.

While this might provide a short-term relief, relying on regression too much can limit our ability to face challenges as mature individuals.

Projection

Projection is a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable feelings or characteristics to another person. This occurs when thoughts or emotions are too unsettling to acknowledge in oneself, so they are "projected" onto others.
In our example, the protagonist felt lonely and depressed after the breakup but found it easier to think that her ex-boyfriend felt this way instead.

• It shifts the focus from one's own uncomfortable emotions to others, making the reality easier to cope with.
• It can distort one's perception of others, often portraying them inaccurately.

Though this might ease personal discomfort, projection can potentially damage relationships and self-understanding, since true feelings are not being addressed properly.

Denial

Denial is a very common defense mechanism in which an individual refuses to accept reality or facts. It's a way of safeguarding oneself from uncomfortable truths by dismissing them. In the story, the protagonist effectively ignored her feelings of sadness by convincing herself of her happiness and new-found freedom.
Making use of denial can often cause short-term relief but can lead to long-term problems if the issues are not acknowledged eventually.

• It protects the individual from anxiety and distress temporarily.
• It might delay confrontation and resolution of deeper issues.

Using denial too frequently may prevent one from making necessary changes or improvements in life, as unwanted truths continue to be ignored.

Rationalization

Rationalization is a defense mechanism where an individual provides logical or rational reasons to justify an action or situation that is actually driven by emotion or irrational motives. It's a way to create a comforting "reason" for an action or situation to avoid the discomfort of the deeper emotional reality.
In the case of the protagonist, she justified the breakup by highlighting her ex-boyfriend's faults and the "inevitability" of their breakup, thereby lessening her emotional pain.

• It prevents feelings of inadequacy or guilt by attributing logical reasons to behaviors or outcomes.
• It can bolster one's self-esteem in difficult times.

Though comforting, excessive rationalization might hinder personal growth, as it distracts from facing and learning from true emotional experiences.