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Chapter 2: Problem 7

(a) Give an example from your own life of the use of one or more defense mechanisms. (b) What purpose did the defense mechanism(s) serve? (c) Were there any harmful effects? (d) since many of these mechanisms are used unconsciously, how can you (or anyone) know that they actually exist?

Short Answer

Expert verified
An example of a defense mechanism is denial where one refuses to accept reality to protect oneself from a painful situation. Its purpose serves as a psychological shield preventing the confrontation of the harsh truth, thereby reducing anxiety or distress. Over time, chronic denial can lead to harmful effects by preventing the resolution of underlying issues. While these mechanisms often function at an unconscious level, their repeated pattern in response to stress and anxiety supports their existence.

Step by step solution

01

Identifying Defense Mechanism

Reflect on personal experiences or situations where stress or discomfort was experienced. Identify a situation where a behavior was exhibited that obfuscated the nature of these feelings, rather than confronting them directly. This behavior typifies a defense mechanism.
02

Analyzing the purpose

Once the defense mechanism is identified, evaluate its purpose. Defense mechanisms are often used to prevent acknowledgement of uncomfortable truths or emotions. By identifying the stressor or negative situation and the resultant behavior, one can infer the purpose or utility of the defense mechanism. It was used to mitigate the emotional impact of the stressful situation.
03

Evaluating the Harm

Reflect on the longer-term implications of the defense mechanism. Did it lead to any new problems or exacerbate existing ones? For instance, if the mechanism of choice was denial, this might have prevented a problem from being acknowledged and subsequently addressed.
04

Unconscious Usage

Defense mechanisms are often unconsciously deployed. To understand their existence, the focus should be on patterns of behavior that recur in stressful or negative situations. These behaviors could be a reflection of a defense mechanism at play.

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