Defense mechanism
A defense mechanism is an automatic way of the psyche to reduce anxiety, tension or internal conflict.
Definition
Defense mechanisms can temporarily protect you from overload, but they don't always help you see the situation realistically. They may take the form of denial, rationalization, projection or isolation of emotions. Maturity is not about not having defenses, but about recognizing them and choosing a more conscious response.
Key ideas
Missing key ideas.
Practice and life
After a strong reaction, write down: what I might not have wanted to feel, what I tried to explain too quickly, and what fact is worth checking.
Common misunderstanding
It is a mistake to use the concept of a defense mechanism to judge others. The second mistake is to think that every defense is a bad thing.
Questions for self-reflection
No questions for self-reflection.
Sources
No sources.