What do people unconsciously do to reduce anxiety?
Rationalization
He was just joking, he doesn't actually want to break up with me
Denial
I won't accept that I failed that AP Psychology test until she gives me proof
The Defense Mechanisms are the ego's protective methods of reducing anxiety by unconsciously distorting reality.Designed by Vansh Tandon
Displacement
I need to use my anger that I have with my dad to win this fight
Rationalization is when one offers and tries to convince themselves with self-justifying explanations in place of the real, more threatening reasons for somebody's actions. In this case, the girl is trying to convince herself that her boyfriend was just pranking her, when he actually wanted to break up with her. Even though she knows his true intentions, she is trying to convince herself because she doesn't want to accept it.
Reaction Formation
BEFORE BOB ENTERED HIS TENTH JOB INTERVIEW...
Denial is when one refuses to believe or even perceive painful realities. In this case, the boy is having a difficult time processing how he could have failed the AP Psychology test, and is consequently refusing to believe it.
Repression
I have NEVER EVER had a bad job interview in my life
Displacement is the shifting of sexual or aggressive impulses towards a more acceptable or less threatening object or person. In this case, the boy on the left is mad at his dad, and is using the anger that he has with his dad to fight against a less strong and timid boy.
Reaction Formation is switching unacceptable impulses into their opposites. In this case, this man does not like children at all, but is choosing to become a teacher so that he can act as if that is not true. He says that he loves children to convince himself of it.
I absolutely loooove children!!!!
Repression is when someone banishes anxiety-arousing feelings, thought, and memories from their consciousness. In this case, Bob is about to enter his tenth job interview and is letting himself know that he has never had a bad job interview before. Although he has, he has repressed that memory.