Defense Mechanisms, Freud - 1600 Words

Defense mechanisms, in psychoanalysis, are any of a variety of unconscious personality reactions which the ego uses to protect the conscious mind from threatening feelings and perceptions. Defense mechanisms can be psychologically healthy or maladaptive, but tension reduction is the overall goal in both cases(About). Primary defense mechanisms include repression and denial, which serve to prevent unacceptable ideas or impulses from entering the conscience. Secondary defense mechanisms-generally appearing as an outgrowth of the primary defense mechanisms-include projection, reaction formation, displacement, sublimation, and isolation(AllPsych). Freud introduced the idea that the mind is divided into multiple parts, including the†¦show more content†¦Complimentary projection is assuming that others can do things as well as you. Projection also appears where we see our own traits in other people, as in the false consensus effect. Thus we see our friends as being more like us th an they really are. When something happens that we find difficult to accept, then we will make up a logical reason why it has happened. The target of rationalization is usually something that we have done, such as being unkind to another person. It may also be used when something happens independent of us which causes us disco0fort, such as when a friend is unkind to us. We rationalize to ourselves. We also find it very important to rationalize to other people, even those we do not know. Reaction Formation occurs when a person feels an urge to do or say something and then actually does or says something that is effectively the opposite of what they really want. It also appears as a defense against a feared social punishment. If I fear that I will be criticized for something, I very visibly act in a way that shows I am personally a long way from the feared position (Changingminds).A common pattern in Reaction Formation is where the person uses ‘excessive behavior, for example usi ng exaggerated friendliness when the person is actually feeling unfriendly. Regression involves taking the position of a child in some problematic situation, rather than acting in a more adult way. This is usually in response toShow MoreRelatedSigmund Freud and Defense Mechanism Essays1302 Words   |  6 PagesSigmund Freud began studying human defense mechanisms in the late 1800s. His work became a solid foundation for the continued study into this topic for the last century, especially in regards to the work of his daughter, Anna Freud. Anna Freud believed that identifying a patient’s way of defending himself against his undesirable instincts would help psychotherapist discover the root of â€Å"unwelcome affects† (A. Freud, 1936, p. 32 via Sollod, Wilson and Monte, 2009, p. 199). Although there are a multitudeRead MoreSigmund Freud s Defense Mechanisms1803 Words   |  8 PagesSigmund Freud: Defense Mechanisms   Sigmund Freud was a psychoanalytic theorist and practitioner who strongly emphasized   the unconscious processes and biological drives that guide our behavior.   He asserted that instincts are the propelling forces of our personality, and that they originate in the id (the unconscious part of our personality that works on the pleasure principle, and is a reservoir of our instincts and libido). In addition to the id, we have the ego (the conscious, rational side ofRead MoreSigmund Freuds Adventure672 Words   |  3 PagesAdventure Have you ever heard of Sigmund Freud? If not then, he is the one who is well known as the father of Psychoanalysis. Freud was one of the modern-day psychologist, he prepared a technique for understanding the human behavior, and the effort resulted a complete theory of personality and psychotherapy ever developed. Freud is the firstborn in his family of three boys and five girls. He was born in Freiberg, a rural town near Ostrau in northwestern Moravia. Freud had many interests in his early ageRead MoreI Chose To Do Research On The Ideas Of Sigmund Freud For1551 Words   |  7 Pagesresearch on the ideas of Sigmund Freud for my paper. I decided to do my paper on Freud because I am interested in his ideas on the divisions of the mind, anxiety, psychosexual stages of development, ego-defense mechanisms, and his most well-known topic, the unconscious mind. Many theorists such as Carl Jung took Freud’s concept of the divisions of the mind and changed his theory to fit with their t houghts on psychology. Albert Bandura also took on Freud’s ego defense mechanisms and shifted them to fit withRead MoreMaster of the Mind: Sigmund Freud923 Words   |  4 PagesMaster of the Mind Austrian neurologist, Sigmund Freud has become known as the â€Å"founding father of psychoanalysis†, master of the unknown mind. Freud explored the human mind more that any other psychologist and developed theories that many scientists and individuals rely on till this day because none of his theories have been falsified. He has led the path of psychology for new research and mapping out the unconscious mind. Freud developed theories that focused on the subconscious mind motives ofRead MorePsychoanalytic Theory And Depth Psychology1098 Words   |  5 Pagescentury is one that has withstood the tests of time; with just a few exceptions. Freud’s psychoanalytical theory which is comprised of many of Freud’s very unique and great theories like the tripartite mind, psychosexual developmental stages, and defense mechanisms gave insight into the inner-workings of the mind that until then had not yet been discovered nor explored. After all, psychoanalysis centers on exposing the human unconscious by viewing human behavior through a deterministic lens, meaning thatRead MoreAnalysis Of Holden Uses Defense Mechanisms1157 Words   |  5 PagesConsequently, Holden uses defense mechanisms, â€Å"as a means of preventing anxiety that would result from conscious awareness of disturbing impulses, wishes, or ideas arising from the id,† (Nevid 471). Nevid explains that according to Freudian theory, defense mechanisms reside in the unconscious part of the human brain because if people were conscious of every single problem, people wouldn’t be able to function. Therefore, Holden is subconsciously utilizing defense mechanisms in order to shield himselfRead MoreAnna Freud1216 Words   |  5 PagesANNA FREUD Anna Freud Anna Freud Selecting a woman that made significant contributions to the field of psychology between the years 1850 and 1950 is not an easy task as there is more than one woman who made significant contributions to the field of Psychology. Out of those talented women Anna Freud, overshadows her colleagues. Anna can be considered to have a fascinating background, which influenced her later development of unique theoretical perspectives. Her father, Sigmund Freud famousRead MoreHolden Uses Defense Mechanisms1372 Words   |  6 PagesConsequently, Holden uses defense mechanisms, â€Å"as a means of preventing anxiety that would result from conscious awareness of disturbing impulses, wishes, or ideas arising from the id,† (Nevid 471). Nevid explains that according to Freudian theory, defense mechanisms reside in the unconscious part of the human brain because if people were conscious of every single problem, people wouldn’t be able to function. Therefore, Holden is subconsciously uti lizing defense mechanisms in order to shield himselfRead MoreFreuds Theories Applied in Inception1220 Words   |  5 PagesInception, uses Sigmund Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis to help originate this movie. Although at times the concepts are a little farfetched, Freud’s theories of defense mechanisms as well as his concept of dreams are both applied in this film. The term psychoanalysis is used to discuss to the numerous parts of Freud’s work and studies. Freud believed the mind is divided into two main parts, the conscious and unconscious mind. â€Å"The Unconscious mind is a reservoir of feelings, thoughts, urges, and