NAME: MUHUMUZA TEDDY CAROLYNE

ADMISSION NUMBER: 23/08521

SCHOOL: EDUCATION AND ARTS

UNIT CODE: DCP 011

UNIT TITTLE: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCOLOGY 1

NAME OF LECTURE: WINFRED SIKUKU

DATE: 14/2/2024

QUESTION

1. USING RELEVANT EXAMPLES THAT APPLY TO YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE,

DISCUSS THE DIFFERENT DEFENSE MECHANISMS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
INTRODUCTION

Psychological techniques known as defense mechanisms are employed by people subconsciously

to shield themselves from unpleasant ideas, emotions, or circumstances. They support preserving

emotional stability and lowering anxiety. Denial, suppression, projection, and rationalization are

a few typical defense strategies. These systems may offer brief respite, but it's crucial to deal

with underlying problems in a positive and healthy manner. How our minds defend us is an

amazing phenomenon.

QUESTION

1. USING RELEVANT EXAMPLES THAT APPLY TO YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE,

DISCUSS THE DIFFERENT DEFENSE MECHANISMS IN PSYCHOLOGY.

I. Denial

Denial is one of the most common defense mechanisms. It occurs when you refuse to accept

reality or facts. People in denial may block external events or circumstances from the mind so

that they don’t have to deal with the emotional impact. In other words, they avoid painful

feelings or event. This defense mechanism is one of the most widely known, too. Example is

being a victim of say domestic violence, yet denying that you have never experienced this.

II. Rationalization

Some people can try using their own set of "beliefs" to justify unwanted conduct. Even if you

know deep down that the decision you made was incorrect, this enables you to feel at ease with

it.
Someone who got scammed for their money, for instance, would claim they never needed the

money lost that much.

III. Reaction formation

Reaction formation involves adopting the opposite emotion, impulse, or behavior in order to

lessen fear. Reaction formation can be demonstrated by acting overly pleasant toward someone

you detest in order to conceal your genuine feelings. Or when you go through a break up but act

happy yet sad internally.

IV. Displacement

This is when we take out our anger or feelings on others. You vent your rage on something or

someone that doesn't threaten you, such as your partner, kids, or pets, as opposed to doing things

that can have unfavorable effects (like fighting with your boss).

V. Suppression

At times, you may intentionally suppress knowledge by making the undesirable information

disappear from your consciousness. This is referred to as suppression. However, it is generally

thought that this unconscious clearing of anxiety-inducing memories from consciousness

happens unconsciously. When one undergoes a traumatizing event at a certain point of their life

like child abuse they may unconsciously suppress those memories.

 VI. Projection

People who project their bad feelings, ideas, or actions onto another person are engaging in a

form of defensive mechanism known as projection. Although projection might happen only once,

it usually manifests as a pattern of behavior. Projecting is unhealthy; even when it's an attempt to

shield oneself from unpleasant emotions like stress, anxiety, and internal conflict. Example is

when a person who is cheating on their partner, consequently accuses their innocent partner of

cheating.

VII. Sublimation

Similar to displacement, sublimation occurs when we are able to channel our inappropriate

emotions into productive, socially acceptable behaviors as opposed to harmful ones. For instance

a person who just went through a break up can channel their emotions to self-improvement

projects or listening to constructive podcasts.

VIII. Avoidance

Avoidance is just finding ways to get out of uncomfortable situations, things, or activities.

Removing oneself physically from a situation is one way to avoid it. It might also entail figuring

out how to avoid talking about or simply thinking about the subject at hand. For example when

you dislike someone you try not to meet or see them and when the topic about them arises in a

conversation you push on a subject change.

 IX. Isolation

Isolation is the practice of separating potentially dangerous ideas and emotions from other

cognitive processes by building a mental or cognitive barrier around them. For example in a case

where a lady tries to describe an event that happened while with her husband during a therapy

session, when trying to give the thought she ends up omitting some information as maybe how

she reacted during the argument won’t portray her as a good person or wife.

X. Regression

Individuals exhibit age-inappropriate conduct in reaction to stress or discomfort; that is, they

regress or return to an early developmental stage and take on immature emotional and behavioral

tendencies. Example is sleeping with a cherished staffed animal for comfort purposes.

CONLUSION

To sum up, defense mechanisms are the natural ways in which our minds shield us from

unpleasant sensations or ideas. Even while they can offer momentary comfort, it's crucial to

recognize them and deal with underlying problems in a healthy manner. Gaining insight into our

protective mechanisms can improve our mental health and coping skills. Everything is a

component of our minds' intricate and interesting processes.

REFERENCES

Alicia Nortje, (2023, October, 9), Defense Mechanisms in Psychology Explained (+ Examples).

PositivePsychology.com https://positivepsychology.com/defense-mechanisms-in-psychology/

Karmen Smith,(2023, January,23), Projection as a Defense Mechanism. Talkspace.

https://www.talkspace.com/blog/projection-defense-mechanism/

Saul Mcleod,(2024,January,25), Defense Mechanisms In Psychology Explained (+ Examples).

SimplyPsychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/defense-mechanisms.html

Kendra Cherry, (2022, November,1), 20 Common Defense Mechanisms and How The Work.

verywellminds https://www.verywellmind.com/defense-mechanisms-2795960

Kimberly Holland,(2022,June,21), 10 Defense Mechanisms: What Are They and How They Help

Us Cope. healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/defense-mechanisms