1. Psychological Defense Mechanisms

2. Denial
Definition: Refusal to recognize or acknowledge a threatening situation Example: Ben is an alcoholic who denies being an alcoholic

3. Repression
Definition: “Pushing” threatening or conflicting events or situations out of conscious memory Example: Elise, who was abused as a child, cannot remember the abuse at all

4. Rationalization
Definition: Making up acceptable excuses for unacceptable behavior Example: Stating that you failed a test because the teacher doesn’t like you, when the real reason was you didn’t study.

5. Projection
Definition: Placing one’s own unacceptable thoughts onto others, as if the thoughts belonged to them and not to oneself Example: Keisha is attracted to her sister’s husband but denies this and believes the husband is really attracted to her

6. Reaction Formation
Definition: Forming an emotional reaction or attitude that is the opposite of one’s threatening or unacceptable thoughts Example: Matt is attracted to Ben but outwardly voices disapproval and dislike of homosexuals

7. Displacement
Definition: Expressing feelings that would get you in trouble if directed at the real target onto a less threatening substitute target Example: Sandra gets remanded by her boss and goes home to angrily pick a fight with her husband

8. Regression
Definition: Falling back on childlike patterns as a way of coping with a stressful situation Example: Four-year-old Jeff starts wetting the bed after his parents bring home a new baby

9. Identification
Definition: Trying to become like someone else to deal with anxiety Example: Marie really admires Suzie, the most popular girl in school, and tries to copy her behavior and dress

10. Compensation (Substitution)
Definition: Trying to make up for areas you perceive are lacking by becoming superior in other areas Example: Reggie is short and insecure about it, so he buys a lifted truck.

11. Sublimination
Definition: Acting out socially unacceptable urges into socially acceptable behavior Example: Alain, who is very aggressive, becomes a professional hockey player

12. Repression: Reality or Myth?

13. Skit Time! Volunteers needed: Skit #1: 2 people Skit #2: 1 person
Skit #3: 2 males
Skit #4: 1 female
Skit #5: 2 males
Skit #6: 2 people (one female)
Skit #7: 2 people
Skit #8: 2 people
Skit #9: 2 females