Common Ego Defense Mechanisms

“Not telling the truth is the quickest way to turn yourself into a stranger.” Mark W. Perrett Acting Out engaging in an extreme behavior to emotionally protect the ego. It can be expressed in many ways, such as anger, hostility, hysteria, apathy and isolation or refusal to acknowledge another’s presence. In addiction, it is often a way to deflect attention from the painful truth of the consequences of substance abuse.

Blame shifting the responsibility for feelings and behaviors to someone else. This is done to protect self-image and avoid the painful consequences of addiction.

Denial the refusal to acknowledge a difficult fact or painful reality. It is acting as if something does not exist, despite those around us being able to see it. Part of addiction is denying when the use of substances becomes a problem. It can be terrifying to admit that we cannot stop a behavior that is harming us and the ones we love.

Displacement redirecting thoughts, feelings and impulses directed at one person, object or situation to another person or object where it is less threatening to vent emotions. In addiction, people often use displacement to avoid looking at the problems that substance abuse has caused.

Intellectualization overemphasis on thinking to protect oneself from difficult or unacceptable impulses, behaviors or situations. It is a way to avoid unpleasant emotions associated with the circumstances of drinking and other drug use.

Minimization to make a problem or situation seem less important than it is. It is an inability to see the big picture because it feels too overwhelming or painful to acknowledge addiction.

Projection to deny one’s own impulses, thoughts and behaviors by attributing them to others.

Rationalization or to make excuses for a behavior to make it appear more acceptable to the ego and to Justification others. It is also being dishonest about the feelings we have about an event or circumstance, rather than admitting unpleasant emotions.

Spiritualization using scriptures, doctrines, other spiritual writings, fate, destiny or astrology to avoid acknowledging fear and other difficult emotions.

Terminal Uniqueness a refusal to see common human strengths, weaknesses and emotions in oneself. It is a belief that rules that apply to all other people do not apply to you.