Regression --
Definition: Reverting to behaviors typical of gratification in an earlier stage. (Glassman 228)
As was mentioned before, I was a biter at an early age. It was a comfort habit that gave me satisfaction immediately. When I am stressed or in a foreign situation I revert (or regress) back to the behavior of biting just because I know (subconsciously) that it will provide me with a quick fix of something I am used to. This includes biting my fingernails or cuitcles, or chewing on pens, or having a sudden urge for gum or some sticky candy. I can't help it, it's just my ego going back on my usual behaviors.
Sublimation --
Definition: Redirecting drive energy into a socially acceptable activity. (Glassman 228)
In my case (and probably many others') this drive energy may not always be negative. If I am smitten or feel really happy, I tend to divert this energy into artistic work. This may include writing, drawing or even acting when the time is right. Thw positive energy gives me motivation to do those things. However, with negative energy, such as being angry at someone, I usually funnel that into playing sports or doing something more physically active or adrenaline packed. This allows me to divert this energy into something useful rather than sulking or being mad at the world instead.
Rationalization --
Definition: Explaining one's behavior by offering an acceptable reason instead of the true reason. (Glassman 228)
Funny story (an I am sure this happens a lot): When I was in middle school I vividly remember looking at this girl I had a crush on for long periods of time during a class. She never noticed me, so it was fine. Until one day the teacher came up to me and asked why I was looking at the girl. Of course, without even thinking about an answer, my mouth (controlled by my overreactive ego) spouted out some lame excuse like, "Because she has something in her hair", or, "I wasn't looking at her. I was looking at the poster on the wall behind her!" It was obvious the teacher new I liked her, though, because each time the excuses got worse and worse until the teacher said, "If that's the case, then why don't you ever tell her to take the 'thing' out of her hair!?" Oops, busted...
Projection --
Definition: Atttributing one's unacceptable thoughts and impulses to others. (Glassman 228)
When I was young I pulled this defense mechanism on my sister all the time. We're five years apart, and we used to fight like there was no tomorrow. So, when we got caught by my mom, I (being the youngest) would just start to cry and point the finger at my sister saying, "She started it! She was being mean and mad and stupid!" My sister would try to rebut, but with no avail (was it because I was cuter?). However, all along I knew I was the one to blame: I was the obnoxious, insolent little sibling who wouldn't leave my sister alone. I got away with murder...
Reaction Formation --
Definition: Reacting in a way which is opposite to one's actual impulses. (Glassman 228)
I don't know if I have ever done this (but I probably have without ever thinking about it), but I used to see it all the time. Last year, back in America, I worked as a teacher's aid for 5th grade students. I could tell which guys like which girls, and visa-versa just by the way they treated each other using reaction formation. Guys would ignore or be mean to the little girls they had a crush on, and girls would be totally shy and unwilling to approach the guys they liked (which are opposite reactions to their inital impulses). It was hilarious to watch, and even more funny to see their peers accusing them of liking the opposite sex because of how they behaved!
Sources:
Glassman, William E. and Marilyn Hadad. Approaches to Psychology. New York: Open University Press, 2004.
The Psych Files (diagram). Defense Mechanisms. http://www.thepsychfiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/ defensemechanismsdn.jpg
Cold Bacon (cartoon). Defense Mechanisms. http://www.coldbacon.com/pics/clouds.gif
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