1.

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread and uneasiness as Mary a sexually exploited child adopted child,
what defense mechanisms has Mary adopted possessed?

When someone experiences anxiety or traumatic events, they may develop various defense mechanisms as a
way to cope with their emotions and protect themselves psychologically. Here are some common defense
mechanisms that individuals might employ:

Denial: Mary may deny or refuse to acknowledge the impact of her traumatic experiences. This defense
mechanism allows her to avoid the painful emotions associated with her past.

Disassociation: Mary may mentally disconnect from her feelings, memories, or identity related to her
traumatic experiences. Disassociation can create a sense of detachment and numbness as a way to cope with
overwhelming emotions.

Repression: Mary may unconsciously push distressing memories or thoughts related to her past experiences
into her subconscious mind. Repression serves as a defense mechanism to keep the traumatic memories out
of her conscious awareness.

Rationalization: Mary may come up with logical explanations or justifications for her traumatic experiences
as a way to make sense of them and alleviate anxiety. This defense mechanism helps her protect her self-
esteem and maintain a sense of control.

Avoidance: Mary may actively avoid situations, people, or places that trigger her anxiety or remind her of
her past trauma. Avoidance allows her to minimize exposure to potential triggers and reduce distress.

Projection: Mary might project her own fears, anxieties, or feelings onto others, attributing her own
experiences or emotions to someone else. This defense mechanism helps her avoid confronting her own pain
and anxiety by externalizing them.

It's important to note that defense mechanisms are not inherently unhealthy, as they can serve as adaptive
coping strategies in the short term. However, if these defense mechanisms persist and hinder Mary's ability
to function or seek help, it may be beneficial for her to consider professional support, such as therapy, to
address the underlying issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

2. What psychosexual stage is Mary a sexually exploited adopted child trapped in that affects her
behavior?

Mary's experiences of sexual exploitation can have significant psychological impacts on her development
and behavior. According to Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory, one possible stage that may be affected is
the Phallic Stage.

The Phallic Stage is the third stage of psychosexual development, occurring roughly between the ages of
three and six. During this stage, children become curious about their own bodies and develop a growing
awareness of their gender identity. They experience the Oedipus complex (for boys) or the Electra complex
(for girls), which involves feelings of attraction toward the opposite-sex parent and competition with the
same-sex parent.

However, in the case of Mary, her experiences of sexual exploitation would likely disrupt the natural
progression and healthy development of the Phallic Stage. The traumatic experiences she has endured may
lead to various psychological consequences, such as:

Sexualized behavior: Mary may exhibit overly sexualized behaviors, knowledge, or interests that are not
developmentally appropriate for her age. She may display a preoccupation with sexual themes or engage in
sexual play that mimics the abuse she has experienced.
Sexual confusion and identity issues: Mary's experiences may create confusion and conflict regarding her
own sexual identity and relationships. She may struggle with understanding healthy boundaries and
appropriate forms of affection.

Guilt and shame: Mary may experience intense feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame as a result of the
exploitation. These feelings can impact her self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and overall
psychological well-being.

Trust and attachment difficulties: The betrayal of trust and exploitation Mary has experienced can impair her
ability to form secure attachments and trust others. This may lead to difficulties in developing healthy
relationships and seeking appropriate support.

It's important to note that the effects on Mary's behavior would likely be complex and multifaceted, as
individuals respond differently to trauma. Consulting with a qualified mental health professional experienced
in trauma and abuse is crucial to understanding and addressing the specific impact on Mary's behavior and
supporting her recovery.