Defense Mechanisms & Emotions 2/21/2019

Way of dealing with emotional pain Defense Mechanism Way of dealing with emotional pain What are defense mechanisms? “Defense Mechanisms are ways of dealing with emotional pain.” Discuss that some defense mechanisms we do intentionally, but much of the time we react subconsciously. 2/21/2019

2 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT AS EACH DEFENSE MECHANISM IS DISCUSSED: #1...Is the DM being done consciously or subconsciously? Sometimes we don’t realize we are reacting in a certain way while other times it may be intentional. #2...Is the DM a positive or negative way to handle a situation? Discuss examples of how each defense mechanism could be negative, positive or both. 2/21/2019

Refusing to recognize an emotion or a problem Denial “Denial is refusing to recognize an emotion or a problem.” (ex. - In denial about a grade) Also the first stage of grief… Refusing to recognize an emotion or a problem 2/21/2019

Transferring emotions from the original source to another Displacement Transferring emotions from the original source to another “Displacement is transferring emotions from the original source to another.“ (ex. – Get in argument with a parent before school but you take it out on friends) 2/21/2019

Placing uncomfortable thoughts in an area of our subconscious memory Repression “Repression is placing uncomfortable thoughts in an area of our subconscious memory.” Placing uncomfortable thoughts in an area of our subconscious memory 2/21/2019

Making excuses for actions or feelings Rationalization “Rationalization is making excuses for actions or feelings.” (ex. – giving excuses for not getting homework done) Making excuses for actions or feelings 2/21/2019

Fantasizing to escape unpleasant reality Daydreaming Fantasizing to escape unpleasant reality “Daydreaming is fantasizing to escape unpleasant reality” (ex. – thinking about being at the beach instead of focusing on the teacher during class) 2/21/2019

Behaving in a manner opposite to the way you are feeling Reaction Formation “Reaction Formation is behaving in a manner opposite to the way you are feeling.” (ex. – you are mad at a friend but when they ask you what is wrong you say, “Nothing.”) Behaving in a manner opposite to the way you are feeling 2/21/2019

Directing your energy into a useful rather than an unacceptable goal Sublimation “Sublimation is directing your energy into a useful rather than unacceptable goal.” (ex. – you like to argue so you join the debate team instead of picking fights with others.) Directing your energy into a useful rather than an unacceptable goal 2/21/2019

Emotions While we “know” what most emotions are, putting a definition to them could be difficult. “The following emotions are commonly expressed, but defining them is not as easy. Do we control our emotions or do our emotions control us? Is it bad to have certain emotions?” 2/21/2019

A deep caring or concern for someone Love A deep caring or concern for someone “Love is a deep care or concern for someone.” Discuss how there are lots of forms of love, friendship, family, marriage, patriotic, etc… 2/21/2019

Strong feeling of being displeased Anger Strong feeling of being displeased “Anger is a strong feeling of being displeased.” Discuss the are many forms of anger. 2/21/2019

Feeling or behaving in an unfriendly way Hostility Feeling or behaving in an unfriendly way “Hostility (a form of anger) is feeling or behaving in an unfriendly way.” 2/21/2019

A feeling of disappointment or exasperation with a situation Frustration A feeling of disappointment or exasperation with a situation “Frustration (another form of anger) is a feeling of disappointment with a situation.” 2/21/2019

Fear of the future or of the unknown Anxiety Fear of the future or of the unknown “Anxiety is fear of the future or of the unknown.” 2/21/2019

A scared feeling or being afraid Fear A scared feeling or being afraid “Fear is a scared feeling; to be afraid.” 2/21/2019

Wanting something someone else has Envy Wanting something someone else has “Envy is wanting something someone else has. We often confuse this with jealousy.” 2/21/2019

Fear of losing something you already have Jealousy Fear of losing something you already have “Jealousy is the fear of losing something you already have.” 2/21/2019

A feeling of complete hopelessness Despair A feeling of complete hopelessness “Despair is a feeling of complete hopelessness. Often it is the emotion associated with suicide.” 2/21/2019

Feeling isolated from others Loneliness Feeling isolated from others “Loneliness is feeling isolated from others. A person can feel lonely even in a crowd of people.” 2/21/2019

Deep feeling of sadness caused by the loss of someone or something Grief Deep feeling of sadness caused by the loss of someone or something “Grief is a deep feeling of sadness caused by the loss of someone or something.” 2/21/2019

Feeling of having done something wrong Guilt Feeling of having done something wrong “Guilt is a feeling of having done something wrong. This occurs when we do something that goes against our values.” 2/21/2019