DEFENCE MECHANISM Meaning and
Definition
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A defence mechanism refers to unconscious psychological strategies that individuals employ to protect themselves from experiencing discomfort, anxiety, or emotional distress. These mechanisms are innate and serve as a means of maintaining psychological equilibrium and preserving one's self-esteem. Defence mechanisms operate at the subconscious level, shielding individuals from painful thoughts, feelings, or memories that may be too overwhelming or threatening to consciously confront.
These mechanisms are diverse, ranging from denial and repression to displacement, projection, and intellectualization. Denial involves unconsciously rejecting or disregarding the existence of a distressing reality or emotion. Repression entails burying distressing memories or urges deep in the unconscious mind. Displacement is redirecting emotions towards a less threatening target, while projection involves attributing one's undesirable thoughts or feelings to another person. Intellectualization involves employing rational and logical thinking to distance oneself from an emotion-laden situation.
Defence mechanisms function as automatic responses to internal or external stressors, and while they can be adaptive in certain situations, they can also lead to maladaptive behaviors or psychological issues when overused or relied upon excessively. Understanding one's defence mechanisms can provide insights into their coping mechanisms and emotional regulation strategies. Psychoanalytic theorists, particularly Sigmund Freud, have extensively studied and defined defence mechanisms, emphasizing their role in protecting the ego and maintaining psychological stability in the face of anxiety or discomfort.
Common Misspellings for DEFENCE MECHANISM
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Etymology of DEFENCE MECHANISM
The word "defence mechanism" comes from the combination of two root words: "defence" and "mechanism".
1. "Defence": The term "defense" can be traced back to the Latin word "defendere", which means "to ward off" or "to protect". In Old French, it evolved into "defendre" with the same meaning. Eventually, in Middle English, it became "defense" with the broader meaning of protecting oneself or others from harm or danger.
2. "Mechanism": The term "mechanism" originates from the Latin word "mechanismus", which was adapted from the Greek word "mēkhanē", meaning "a contrivance" or "a machine". The word "mechanism" refers to the workings or structure of a device or system.
Similar spelling word for DEFENCE MECHANISM
