Discover published sets by community

Refusing to accept reality or facts, acting as though a painful event, thought, or feeling doesn’t exist. Example: A smoker denies the evidence linking smoking to lung cancer.

Unconsciously blocking uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and impulses from consciousness. Example: A person who has repressed memories of abuse during childhood may later have difficulty forming relationships.

Attributing one’s own feelings, motivations, or desires to someone else. Example: A person who is aggressive may accuse others of having anger management issues.

Redirecting emotions or responses from the original source to a safer or less threatening target. Example: A person may take out their frustration on their partner after having a bad day at work.

Justifying or explaining away actions or feelings with seemingly rational reasons, avoiding the true reasons. Example: A student who blames a poor exam score on the lack of time to study, rather than their lack of preparation.

Acting the opposite way that one truly feels, often exaggerated and obsessive, as a defense against unacceptable feelings or impulses. Example: A person who feels insecure about their social status might act overly confident and brash.

Channeling unacceptable impulses, thoughts, or emotions into more acceptable ones. Example: A person with aggressive tendencies becomes a professional fighter.

Reverting to behavior typical of an earlier stage of development when faced with stress. Example: An adult throwing a tantrum when they don't get their way, like a child would.

Incorporating characteristics of another individual or group into one’s own ego structure. Example: An insecure young man emulates his confident boss’s mannerisms and style of dress.

Striving to make up for feelings of inferiority or perceived weaknesses by developing other areas. Example: A person who is not good at sports focuses on excelling academically.

Removing the emotional aspect of a situation by dealing with it in a rational, logical way. Example: A person who has been diagnosed with a serious illness focuses solely on the statistics and treatments, rather than their fears.