The Freudian Mechanisms of Defence Quiz

Answer: Repression

Repression is the act of hiding thoughts which cause psychological pain. This may lead to problems such as depression or outbursts of violence, particularly when memories of childhood abuse are repressed.

Answer: Displacement

This is taking your negative feelings out of other people or objects, usually the people closest to you, because you do not want to take it out on what you're angry at. In this case, I couldn't kick and scream at the bus driver, my teacher or my boss for the fear of worse consequences.

Answer: Denial

Denial is basically refusing to accept was has or will happen, in order to prevent yourself from getting hurt. A lot of people go into denial when their partner has an affair.

Answer: Rationalisation

This is where we find acceptable reasons for unacceptable situations. It is sometimes called the 'Sour Grapes Defence'. It is a way of making up a logical argument to avoid guilt, such as, "This cake has 50% less fat so I can eat twice as much."

Answer: Reaction Formation

This is where you consciously think the opposite of what you actually feel, so that you no longer have to feel that way. For example, by turning your intense hate for someone into intense like, you will no longer feel threatened by them.

Answer: Sublimation

Sublimation is where you work your unacceptable feelings out in a substitute activity in order to avoid conflict. An example would be hitting a punch bag pretending it's your boss rather than actually punching your boss.

Answer: Identification

This is a way of avoiding conflict by 'identifying' with the person, i.e. putting yourself in their shoes. This way of reasoning makes the situation easier to accept.

Answer: Projection

This method of defence is achieved by ascribing unwanted impulses unto someone else, seeing your own faults in other people. This reassures yourself that what you are doing is acceptable, or even that you are not the only one with these faults, such as having greasy hair.
"The unfaithful husband who is extremely jealous of his wife, always suspecting she might be unfaithful"- George Pell

Answer: Regression

Regression is a display of behaviour of an earlier time in your development. This could involve teenagers or adults throwing temper tantrums to gain sympathy, or it could even involve bed wetting for someone who is distraught.

Answer: Withdrawal

Withdrawal means you remove yourself from all situations where you could be reminded of painful thoughts. The idea is, by avoiding them, you won't feel pain, however the inevitable feelings of loneliness and isolation can only result in worse pain.