DOCSLIB.ORG

The Arabic Version of Defense Style Questionnaire-40 II- Defense Style in Major Depressive Disorder Hanaa

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Arabic Version of Defense Style Questionnaire-40 II- Defense Style in Major Depressive Disorder Hanaa The Arabic Version of Defense Style Questionnaire-40 II- Defense Style in Major Depressive Disorder Hanaa. Soliman The aim of this work was to investigate whether patients with major depres- she disorder use a defense style different from that of normal subjects. 28 pa- tients with major depressive disorder and 27 age and sex matched normal sub- jects completed the Arabic version of DSQ-40. The results showed that patients tend to use less mature defenses (anticipa- tion, suppression, humor& sublimationt than normal subjects, while they use more immature defenses (projection, passive aggression, devaluation, autistic fantasy and somatization). Reaction formation, a neurotic defense, was also high- er in the depressive group. The significance of the findings to the psychopatholo- gy of depression, especially in terms of cognitive theories, and the implications for psychotherapy are considered. investigating defense style related to other axis-I diagnosis and its correlation wifh symptom patterns was recommended. (EgyptJ. Psychiat., 1997,20: 75-83). Introduction demonstrated that patients wiih specific Though the concept of defense mech- anxiety disorders endorse specific de- fense style that is consistent with the di- anisms abounds in psychiatric and psy- choanzlytic literature, there is still confu- agnosis. However, contamination with sion and inconsistency ahout their the 'state', i.e., symptoms characteristic definit'on and relation to diagnosis of the clinicai picture might have con- (Bond et al, 1982). A great advance in tributed to those results. Removing the symptom items from the 72-item DSQ, this field, however, was the intrtxluctioli of valid methods of ausessment of de- the instrument used in the above men- tioned study, patients with anxiety disor- fense mechanisms (Bond et al, 1983; rlers still showed differences from nor- Andrew et al, 1993). mal subjecls. hut no differences between subcategories of anxiety disorders were Sound. The results of research on defense style in depressed pnlienls are aIso co11- mwersial. Whik Bond and Sagala '\'ail- !ant (1086) found that !he partem of dc- lenses did not differ in depressi~e ';'!I:. question whether a pr!i~ui;ir ik palirnrs, as a~n?pareclto norn~ai sub- the U!ri' LW - agnoi., 1s a.;scxiatutl wit$ of' jects, Akkcrrn;.~~et 21 11992) demon- ixin delence mechanisms rem:im c(1nin.i- strated that paiients with major depres- \;ci;?,ial '130110ck anti Anchews ( 1980) sive disorder. tcndcd to use less rna:urt' and inore immature defenses. The aim of the present work was to on mature defenses), table 2 demonstrat- investigate whether patienrs with major ing differences on iinmature defenses), depressive disorder use a defense style and table 3 (showing differences on neu- different from that of normal subjects. rotic defenses). In comparison to nonnal Subjects and Methods subjects, depressive patients showed markedly lower scores on all mature de- 28 patients attending outpatient clin- fenses, viz., sublimation, suppression, ic (El-Minia university hospital) over humor and anticipation, and more so in the time period from August to October, tbe latter. As regards immature defenses, 1996 who fulfilled criteria for major de- the depressive patients scored higher pressive disorder (DSM-IV), completed than normal subjects on projection, pas- the Arabic version of Defense Style sive aggression, somatization, devalua- Questionnaire-40 (Andrews et al,1993; tion of the self (devaluation2) and autis- Soliman, 1996) (Appendix). The pa- tic fantasy. On the other hand, they tients had a current depressive episode. showed less devaluation of others (&- Mean age (GD) was 31.6 k11.9). valuation I). Reaction formation was the Most of the subjects were females only neurotic defense mechanism where (n=24), while the saxnple included 4 patients differed significantly from con- male patients. trol group, as they seem to endorse this 27 age-and sex-matched nonnal sub- defense more often than normal sub- jects were remiled from the population jects. in the same area served by the clinic. Results of discriminant function Comparison between the two groups analysis are displayed in table4. the sen- on all items of the DSQ was carried out sitivity of the DSQ-40 to discriminate using two-tailrd T-test. To test the sen- patienls was very high (85.7%). Its spec- sitivity of the DSQ in detecting subjects ificity was also high, as 88.9% of the with psychopathology, discriminant control group were ceorrectly identified function analysis was performed. a$ normal. The variables that discrimi- Results: nated between the two groups were an- The differences between the depres- ticipation, devaluation of the self, somat- sive patients and control group are ization, prqjection, autistic fantasy and shown in tahle 1 (showing differences passive aggression. Table 1 Differences Between Groups on Mature Defenses Defense Mechanism Depressive Patients Control Group Mean & SD) Mean (It SD) Sublimation 1 Humor 2 Anticipation 1 Suppression 1 Egypt. J. Psychiat. 20: 1. January 1997 Table 2 Differences Between Groups on Immature Defenses Defense Mechanism Depressive Patients Control Group Mean & SD) Mean & SD) Projection 1 4.4 (3.28) 2.4 (1.934)** Projection 2 7.2 (2.29) 4.5 (2.77) * Passive aggression 1 4.1 (2.76) 2.4 (1.76) ** Passive aggression 2 6.3 (3.07) 5.0 (2.7)* Devaluation 1 4.4 (3.08) 6.07 (2.5)* Devaluation 2 7.5 (2.44) 4.4 (3.04)*** Autistic Fantasy 1 6.8 (2.28) 5.1 (2.85)* AutisticFantasy 2 6.1 (2.73) 4.5 (2.97)* Somatizaion 1 7.6 (2.07) 5.4 (3.44)*** - Somatization 2 7.7 (2.35) 4.89** Table 3 - Differences Between Groups on Neurotic Defenses Defense Mechanism Depressive Patients Control Group - Mean (2SD) Mean @ SD) Reaction formation 1 5.3 (3.26) 3.5 (2.45)* Reaction formation 2 7.1 (2.34) 5.9 (2.94)* Table 4 Results of Discriminant Function Analysis Actual group Predicted group membership Control Patient Control group 24 (88.9%) 3 (11 -1%) patients 4 (14.3 %) 24 (85.7%) coefficient Anticipation 1 - .66 Devaluation 2 38 Somatization 1 .39 Somatization 2 .35 Projection 1 38 Autistic fantasy 1 37 Passive aggression I -29 Passive aggression 2 .28 Egypt. J. Psychiat. 20: 1. January 1997 77 Discussion sponse one can make will change the Defenses are major means of manag- probability of these items. Such cogni- ing instinct and affect. Although they tive views account for predisposition to are adaptive in nature, they can as well depression. It seems that deficient use of be pathological (Vaillant, 1988). In the anticipation is more specific to and present work, depressive patients were characteristic of depression than other characterized by using less mature de- mature defenses (humor, suppression fenses, more immature and neurotic de- and sublimation) which were found to fenses, when compared with normal suh- be less unlikely endorsed by depressive jects. patients in the present study, but also by anxiety patients in a study by Andrews In spite of the fact that mature de- fenses distort reality, they are still hetter, et al(1993). morally accepted, more successfuI The only neurotic defense mecha- modes of accommodation with painful nism on which depressive patients dif- situations or emotions. Anticipation was fered from normal subjects is reaction the mature defense that highly differed formation. Unlike undoing and displace- between the groups and also correctly ment which are essential for discrete identified depressive patients in discrim- symptom formation, reaction formation inant function analysis. In the DSM-IV is a defense mechanism that results in (1994), the proposed scale for defensive the creation of enduring behaviour pat- functioning includes anticipation in the terns determining the individual's char- high adaptive level defense mechanisms. acter structure and personality (Nemiah, Such defenses usually maximize gratifi- 1988). According to Nemiah, reaction cation ,and allow the ' conscious' aware- formation against aggression leads to be- ness of feelings, ideas and their conse- haviour characterized hy excessive con- quences. This is different , to some cern for other people and by an undue exent from the classical psychoanalytic tolerance of unpleasantness in &em. The view of defencse mechanisms as uncon- role of aggressive feelings towards the scious. Vaillant (1988) recognized vol- object in the depressive situation and de- untary cognitive effectors like informa- pressive psychopathology was stressed tion gathering, anticipating danger, and by Rakhawy (1979). The aggression, in- rehearsing responses to danger as aa stead of being directed towards others, component of coping, hut their place might also be directed unto oneself, in was in the midway between defense the defense mechanism known as pas- mechanisms and mobilizing social re- sive aggression which was more en- sources. Whatever its place might be, dorsed in depressive patients in the depressive patients are deficient in using present study. anticipation as a coping style. This is In accordance with other studies on consistent with the 'helplessness' atti- patient populations (Andrews et al, tude of those patients, which is one of 1993; Brennan et al, 1990) the depres- Beck's cognitive triad of depression (Al- sive patients scored higher on the imma- loy et al, 1988). One of the hasic as- ture defenses as compared to tbe control sumptions of the hopelessness theory of group. However, the pattern of imma- depression (Ahramson et al, 1988) is ture defenses in depressive patients in that highly desired outcomes are unlike- the present work is not the same as that ly to occur, or that highly aversive out- demonstrated by Andrews et a1 (1993) in comes are probable, and that no re- patients with anxiety disorders. While 78 Egypt. J. Psychiat. 20: 1. January 1997 both groups share endorsement of pro- pressive patients demons~ated iu the jectiorr and somatization,the depressive present study is consistent with the psy- group xe also characterized by passive chopalhology of depression, investiga- aggrestion, as noted earlier, as well a\ tion of defense style in other patient devaleition and autistic fantasy.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Attachment Styles and Use of Defense Mechanisms: a Study of the Adult Attachment Projective and Cramer's Defense Mechanism Scale
    University of Tennessee, Knoxville TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School 8-2006 Attachment Styles and Use of Defense Mechanisms: A Study of the Adult Attachment Projective and Cramer's Defense Mechanism Scale Paul Matthew Hoffman University of Tennessee, Knoxville Follow this and additional works at: https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss Part of the Education Commons Recommended Citation Hoffman, Paul Matthew, "Attachment Styles and Use of Defense Mechanisms: A Study of the Adult Attachment Projective and Cramer's Defense Mechanism Scale. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 2006. https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/4254 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized administrator of TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. For more information, please contact [email protected]. To the Graduate Council: I am submitting herewith a dissertation written by Paul Matthew Hoffman entitled "Attachment Styles and Use of Defense Mechanisms: A Study of the Adult Attachment Projective and Cramer's Defense Mechanism Scale." I have examined the final electronic copy of this dissertation for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, with a major in Philosophy. Leonard Handler, Major Professor We have read this dissertation and recommend
    [Show full text]
  • Unit 10 — Personality
    UNIT 10 — PERSONALITY Vocabulary Term Definition of Term Example Personality An individual’s characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, Aggressive, funny, acting. Free Association In psychoanalysis, a method of exploring the unconscious in which the person relaxes and says whatever comes to mind, no matter how trivial or embarrassing. Psychoanalysis Freud’s theory of personality that attributes thoughts and Therapy through talking. actions to unconscious motives and conflicts; the techniques used in treating psychological disorders by seeking to expose and interpret unconscious tensions. Unconscious According to Freud, a reservoir of mostly unacceptable Id, Repression- forcible thoughts, wishes, feelings, and memories. According to blocking of unacceptable contemporary psychologists, information processing of which passions and thoughts. we are unaware. Id Contains a reservoir of unconscious psychic energy that, Needs, drives, instincts, and according to Freud, strives to satisfy basic sexual and repressed material. What we aggressive drives; operates on the pleasure principle, want to do. demanding immediate gratification. Ego The largely conscious, “executive” part of personality that, What we can do; reality according to Freud, mediates among the demands of the id, superego, and reality; operates under the reality principle, satisfying the id’s desires in ways that will realistically bring pleasure rather than pain. Superego The part of personality that, according to Freud, represents Operates based on the Moral internalized ideals and provides standards for judgment (the Principle. What we should do. conscience) and for future aspirations. Psychosexual Stages The childhood stages of development during which, according Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, to Freud, the id’s pleasure seeking energies focus on distinct Genital erogenous zones.
    [Show full text]
  • AIH Chapter 2: Human Behavior
    Aviation Instructor's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9) Chapter 2: Human Behavior Introduction Derek’s learner, Jason, is very smart and able to retain a lot of information, but has a tendency to rush through the less exciting material and shows interest and attentiveness only when performing tasks that he finds to be interesting. This concerns Derek because he is worried that Jason will overlook many important details and rush through procedures. For a homework assignment Jason was told to take a very thorough look at Preflight Procedures and that for his next flight lesson they would discuss each step in detail. As Derek predicted, Jason found this assignment to be boring and was not prepared. Derek knows that Jason is a “thrill seeker” as he talks about his business, which is a wilderness adventure company. Derek wants to find a way to keep Jason focused and help him find excitement in all areas of learning so that he will understand the complex art of flying and aircraft safety. Learning is the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of a subject or skill through education, experience, practice, or study. This chapter discusses behavior and how it affects the learning process. An instructor seeks to understand why people act the way they do and how people learn. An effective instructor uses knowledge of human behavior, basic human needs, the defense mechanisms humans use that prevent learning, and how adults learn in order to organize and conduct productive learning activities. Definitions of Human Behavior The study of human behavior is an attempt to explain how and why humans function the way they do.
    [Show full text]
  • Investigating Correlations Between Defence Mechanisms and Pathological Personality Characteristics
    rev colomb psiquiat. 2019;48(4):232–243 www.elsevier.es/rcp Artículo original Investigating Correlations Between Defence Mechanisms and Pathological Personality Characteristics Lucas de Francisco Carvalho ∗, Ana Maria Reis, Giselle Pianowski Department of Psicology, Universidade São Francisco, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil article info abstract Article history: Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between defence Received 4 October 2017 mechanisms and pathological personality traits. Accepted 10 January 2018 Material and methods: We analysed 320 participants aged from 18 to 64 years (70.6% women, Available online 10 February 2018 87.5% university students) who completed the Dimensional Clinical Personality Inventory (IDCP) and the Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40). We conducted comparisons and cor- Keywords: relations and a regression analysis. Personality disorders Results: The results showed expressive differences (d>1.0) between mature, neurotic and Defence mechanisms immature defence mechanism groups, and it was observed that pathological personality Self-assessment traits are more typical in people who use less mature defence mechanisms (i.e., neurotic and immature), which comprises marked personality profiles for each group, according to the IDCP. We also found correlations between some of the 40 specific mechanisms of the DSQ-40 and the 12 dimensions of pathological personality traits from the IDCP (r ≥ 0.30 to r ≤ 0.43), partially supported by the literature. In addition, we used regression analysis to verify the potential of the IDCP dimension clusters (related to personality disorders) to predict defence mechanisms, revealing some minimally expressive predictive values (between 20% and 35%). Discussion: The results indicate that those who tend to use immature defence mechanisms are also those most likely to present pathological personality traits.
    [Show full text]
  • Defense Mechanisms.Pdf
    Defense Mechanisms According to Sigmund Freud, who originated the Defense Mechanism theory, Defense Mechanisms occur when our ego cannot meet the demands of reality. They are psychological strategies brought into play by the unconscious mind to manipulate, deny or distort reality so as to maintain a socially acceptable self-image. Healthy people normally use these mechanisms throughout life. it becomes pathological only when its persistent use leads to maladaptive behavior such that the physical and/or mental health of the individual is adversely affected. The purpose of ego defense mechanisms is to protect the mind/self/ego from anxiety and/or social sanctions and/or to provide a refuge from a situation with which one cannot currently cope. Defense mechanisms are unconscious coping mechanisms that reduce anxiety generated by threats from unacceptable impulses In 1977, psychologist George Vaillant took Freud’s theory and built upon it by categorizing them, placing Freud’s mechanisms on a continuum related to their psychoanalytical developmental level. Level 1: Pathological Defenses The mechanisms on this level, when predominating, almost always are severely pathological. These six defense’s, in conjunction, permit one to effectively rearrange external experiences to eliminate the need to cope with reality. The pathological users of these mechanisms frequently appear irrational or insane to others. These are the "psychotic" defense’s, common in overt psychosis. However, they are found in dreams and throughout childhood as well. They include: Delusional Projection: Delusions about external reality, usually of a persecutory nature. Conversion: the expression of an intra-psychic conflict as a physical symptom; some examples include blindness, deafness, paralysis, or numbness.
    [Show full text]
  • Defense Mechanisms
    CLINICAL EDUCATION AND INTERVENTIONS FOR DEFENSE STRUCTURES OF CO-OCCURRING POPULATIONS Brian G. Lengfelder LCPC, CAADC, CCJP, SAP, MAC, CSAT, CMAT, ACRPS WHAT CONSTITUTES DEFENSE MECHANISMS • The term ‘defense mechanisms’ was coined over 100 years ago to describe a construct of psychological mechanisms for coping with intrapsychic conflicts. • Defense mechanisms and conflicts are two hypothetical constructs that have remained at the core of psychodynamic approaches to understanding and treating clinical psychopathology. • Defense mechanisms mediate between an individual’s wishes, needs, and affects on the one hand, and both internalized object relations and external reality on the other. Freud, S. The neuro-psychosis of defense, in Strachey, J. (ed.): The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, London, Hogarth, (original work published 1894), 1962, pp. 43-68. DEFENSE MECHANISMS DEFINED • Mechanisms that mediate the individual’s reaction to emotional conflicts and to external stressors. Some defense mechanisms (e.g., projection, splitting, acting out) are almost invariably maladaptive. Others (e.g., suppression, denial) may be either maladaptive or adaptive, depending on their severity, their inflexibility, and the context in which they occur. 2013, DSM-5 American Psychiatric Association DEFENSE MECHANISMS DEFINED • Defense mechanisms (or coping styles) are automatic psychological processes that protect the individual against anxiety and from the awareness of internal or external dangers or stressors. Individuals
    [Show full text]
  • Interpersonal Conceptualizations and Intra-Psychic Functions of Defense Mechanisms in Indigenous Perspective
    International Journal of Business and Social Science Volume 8 • Number 4 • April 2017 Interpersonal Conceptualizations and Intra-Psychic Functions of Defense Mechanisms in Indigenous Perspective Saba Walayat Government College University Lahore, Pakistan Abstract The present study investigated the interpersonal and intra-psychic patterns of defense mechanisms in women of Pakistan. Qualitative study was based on focus group discussion. Data gathered through this interactive group session was recorded and transcribed. Grounded theory was used to assign codes and develop categories of the data and then to drive the important themes. The major themes emerged from the data were enhancing positive attitude, triggered resistance, inculcated religious and moral values, society as a guiding factor, interlink between different defense mechanisms and working mechanism of defense mechanisms. The study has wider implications for adapting the classical psychoanalytic theories while taking the indigenous perspective. Keywords: defense mechanisms, psychoanalysis, grounded theory. 1. Introduction When the desires are left to be unfulfilled by either confinement or disagreement, the individual struggles for various ways to prevent him/herself from the severe anxiety. Therefore, adopts the behaviors which can be seen as both as adaptive and maladaptive. These are termed as defense mechanisms or adaptations. The key functioning of the defense mechanisms is maintaining the normal functioning of an individual with respect to situation. Generally, defense mechanisms
    [Show full text]
  • Table 5: Defense Mechanisms
    TABLE 5: DEFENSE MECHANISMS NARCISSISTIC DEFENSES IMMATURE DEFENSES NEUROTIC DEFENSES MATURE DEFENSES Denial- Negates sensory data to avoid awareness Acting Out- Acts an unconscious impulse or affect Controlling- Manage or regulate environment Altruism- Experiences vicarious pleasure by of painful aspect of reality. Abolishes external to avoid affect. Acting gives into the impulse rather excessively to avoid anxiety. serving others constructively and instinctually. reality. Used in normal and pathological states. than prohibiting it. Avoids the tension of Reaction formation is benign and constructive. postponing expression. Serving others does not take the place of meeting own needs. Distortion- Reshapes external reality to suit inner Blocking- Inhibits thinking temporarily. May Displacement- Shifts an emotion or drive from Anticipation- Anticipates, plans for future inner needs. Beliefs, hallucinations, delusions. Sustains include affects and impulses. Resembles one idea or object to another. Permits symbolic discomfort that is goal directed. Careful planning or feelings of superiority, entitlement. repression, except tension felt. representation of less distress. worrying and premature but realistic affective anticipation of dire and potentially dreadful outcomes. Primitive Idealization- Endows either “all good, Hypocondriasis- Transforms bereavement, Dissociation- Drastically modifies personal Asceticism- Eliminates pleasurable effects of omnipotent” or “all bad,” inflated external objects loneliness, aggressive impulses into self-reproach, identity or character to avoid emotional distress, experiences. Uses morals to assign values to with great power pain, somatic illness. Avoids responsibility, including fugue states, hysterical conversion, DID, specific pleasures. Derives gratification from circumvents guilt. Affliction due to ego-alien nature drug highs, religious joy. renunciation of all consciously-perceived base of introjects. pleasures. Projection- Perceives and reacts to inner qualities Identification- Crucial to ego development.
    [Show full text]
  • A Study of the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic
    essio epr n ACCESS Freely available online D an OPEN f d o A l a n n x r i e u t y o J Journal of Depression and Anxiety ISSN: 2167-1044 Research Article A Study of the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic Ali Abdullah Alaseeri1, Mamdouh Ali Kotb1,2, Farraj Mohammed Alshalwi3, Abdulrahman khulaif Alenezi3, Sultan Mohmammd Alkahtani3, Turky Saad Algraene3, Abdulsalam Saud Alharbi3, Ahmed M Kamal4,5* 1Neurology Department, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abduaziz University, Alkharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 2Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt; 3Medical Student, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abduaziz University, Alkharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 4Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt; 5Psychiatry Department, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abduaziz University, Alkharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ABSTRACT Background: World Health organization announced COVID-19 pandemic by March 11,2020. As a result, Saudi Arabia started strict precautionary measurements to minimize the implications of this pandemic. In spite of most individuals accept these measures, they experienced psychological distress. Objective: To assess the early psychological reactions to COVID-19 pandemic and investigate the possible explanation of them. Methods: the study included 1588 participants who are responded to structured online questionnaire. Demographic characteristics, source of pandemic news, history of coming from infected countries or contact with infected persons, physical symptoms suggesting COVID-19 infection and opinion about precautionary measures are assessed. Early psychological impacts are assessed by Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Defense mechanisms used by respondents are assessed by Arabic version of Defense Style Questionnaire 40 (DSQ-40).
    [Show full text]
  • Freudian Defense Mechanisms and Empirical Findings
    Freudian Defense Mechanisms and Empirical Findings in Modern Social Psychology: Reaction Formation, Projection, Displacement, Undoing, Isolation, Sublimation, and Denial Roy F. Baumeister, Karen Dale, and Kristin L. Sommer Case Western Reserve University ABSTRACT Recent studies in social psychology are reviewed for evidence relevant to seven Freudian defense mechanisms. This work emphasizes normal populations, moderate rather than extreme forms of defense, and protection of self-esteem against threat. Reaction formation, isolation, and denial have been amply shown in studies, and they do seem to serve defensive functions. Undoing, in the sense of counterfactual thinking, is also well documented but does not serve to defend against the threat. Projection is evident, but the projection itself may be a by-product of defense rather than part of the defensive response itself. Displacement is not well supported in any meaningful sense, although emotions and physical arousal states do carry over from one situation to the next. No evidence of sublimation was found. This research was supported by NIH grant #MH 51482. We wish to thank Len Newman, Constantine Sedikides, Tom Bruegger, and anonymous reviewers for helpful suggestions on an earlier draft. Address correspondence to R. Baumeister, Dept. of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland OH 44106-7123. Send email to [email protected]. Journal of Personality 66:6, December 1998. Copyright © 1998 by Blackwell Publishers, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148, USA, and 108 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1JF, UK. 1082 Baumeister, Dale, & Sommer Nearly all adults hold preferred views of themselves. In most cases, these are favorable views of self—indeed, somewhat more favorable than the objective facts would entirely warrant, as nearly all writers on the self have observed.
    [Show full text]
  • 15 Common Defense Mechanisms
    15 Common Defense Mechanisms psychcentral.com/lib/15-common-defense-mechanisms/ View all posts by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. → 5/17/2016 Pages: 1 2All In some areas of psychology (especially in psychodynamic theory), psychologists talk about “defense mechanisms,” or manners in which we behave or think in certain ways to better protect or “defend” ourselves. Defense mechanisms are one way of looking at how people distance themselves from a full awareness of unpleasant thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Psychologists have categorized defense mechanisms based upon how primitive they are. The more primitive a defense mechanism, the less effective it works for a person over the long-term. However, more primitive defense mechanisms are usually very effective short-term, and hence are favored by many people and children especially (when such primitive defense mechanisms are first learned). Adults who don’t learn better ways of coping with stress or traumatic events in their lives will often resort to such primitive defense mechanisms as well. Most defense mechanisms are fairly unconscious – that means most of us don’t realize we’re using them in the moment. Some types of psychotherapy can help a person become aware of what defense mechanisms they are using, how effective they are, and how to use less primitive and more effective mechanisms in the future. Primitive Defense Mechanisms 1. Denial Denial is the refusal to accept reality or fact, acting as if a painful event, thought or feeling did not exist. It is considered one of the most primitive of the defense mechanisms because it is characteristic of early childhood development.
    [Show full text]
  • The Moderating Role of Meaning and Defense Mechanisms in the Association Between Child
    University of South Florida Scholar Commons Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate School 2-13-2008 The oM derating Role of Meaning and Defense Mechanisms in the Association between Child Sexual Abuse and Romantic Relationship Dysfunction Angela Fairweather University of South Florida Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd Part of the American Studies Commons Scholar Commons Citation Fairweather, Angela, "The odeM rating Role of Meaning and Defense Mechanisms in the Association between Child Sexual Abuse and Romantic Relationship Dysfunction" (2008). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/231 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Moderating Role of Meaning and Defense Mechanisms in the Association between Child Sexual Abuse and Romantic Relationship Dysfunction by Angela Fairweather A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Psychology College of Arts and Sciences University of South Florida Major Professor: Bill Kinder, Ph.D. Michael Brannick, Ph.D. Vicky Phares, Ph.D. Charles Spielberger, Ph.D. Joseph Vandello, Ph.D. Date of Approval: February 13, 2008 Keywords: trauma, relationship adjustment, psychological adjustment, coping, moderator © Copyright 2008, Angela Fairweather Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to those courageous and resilient women who have survived the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. You truly epitomize the strength of the human spirit. It is my sincere wish that this work will inspire new advances in psychological treatment and hope for a better tomorrow.
    [Show full text]