Lesson 2November 1st, 2010

Defence Mechanisms

Techniques you used to protect yourself from being hurt emotionally.

Using repeatedly is not good for one’s health as it avoids facing the issue.

Common Defence Mechanisms Mechanism Description Examples

Compensation

Covering a weakness by over achieving in another area

Focusing all your attention on sports because you think you are a better athlete than student

Daydreaming

Escaping from an unpleasant situation by using your imagination

In the dentist’s chair you focus on the fun you’ll have over the weekend because you hate being at the dentist

Mechanism Description Examples

Denial Failure to except reality

Refusing to accept the death of a close friend or relative; refusing to accept that you relationship with a romantic friend is over.

Displacement

The transfer of negative feelings about someone else

You are very angry with your mother and you take that anger out on your siblings

Common Defence Mechanisms

Mechanism Description Examples

Projection Putting (projecting) negative feelings on someone else

Blaming your teacher for failing a test you did not study for.

Rationalization Justifying irrational behaviour

Not doing your homework one evening because you feel you’ve spent too much time on schoolwork

Common Defence Mechanisms

Mechanism Description Examples

Reaction formation

Expressing emotions that are the exact opposite of what you feel

Acting like a clown in a group to hide your shyness

Regression Using childlike ways of expressing emotions like anger or disappointment

Throwing a tantrum when you don’t get to watch your favourite TV program

Common Defence Mechanisms

Mechanism Description Examples

Sublimation Redirecting bad or unacceptable behaviour into positive behaviour

Channelling your aggression into a athletic sport where aggressive behaviour is accepted.

Somatization Converting emotions into bodily symptoms

Getting stomach cramps every time final exams are scheduled.

Common Defence Mechanisms

Promoting Positive Mental and Emotional Health Everyone from time to time will be

affected by problems in their life that get them down.

There are strategies that you can use in these situations to stay mentally healthy

Self Esteem

Feeling good about yourself and the things you do

Gives sense of confidence Make a list of things you do well Pay attention to positive aspects in

your life

Self Esteem

Use positive self talk Talk to yourself in a positive way –

I’m really good at this Avoid all negative self talk

Self Esteem

Be good at something Developing your skill in whatever

you are good at will make you more confident

Self Esteem

Resist peer pressure The more you make decisions based

on what you think and not others the more confident you will become.

Self Esteem

Accept yourself Appreciate yourself and believe in your

worth Realistically assess your strengths

and weaknesses Do not judge yourself by unrealistic

standards Be ok with who you are right now Only expend energy on changing things

you have control over.

Self Esteem

Use I statements Take responsibility for your feelings

and words by using “I” statements

Act with Integrity When you have self confidence you

will be able to better help those who have lower self confidence.

Sense of Control

High self esteem gives you a sense of control internal locus of control

Those with low self esteem feel that events affecting them are beyond their control. - External locus of control

The reality is that you will always have some control in your life

Self Concept

The current mental image you have of yourself

Rating your level of self esteem requires you to evaluate how you look at yourself as a person.

Self-ideal – The mental image of what you would like to be. If you self-ideal is realistic, set goals

to reach it.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Psychologist Abraham Maslow first

introduced his concept of a hierarchy of needs in 1943. This hierarchy suggests that people are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to other needs.

The lowest levels of the pyramid are made up of the most basic needs, while the more complex needs are located at the top of the pyramid. Once the lower-level needs have been met, people can move on to the next level of needs.

Types of Needs Satisfying lower-level needs is

important in order to avoid unpleasant feelings or consequences.

1. Physiological needsThe most basic needs

that are vital to survival

Need for water, air, food and sleep.

All needs become secondary until these physiological needs are met.

2.Security Needs Needs for safety and

security. These needs are important for survival, but they are not as demanding as the physiological needs.

Desire for steady employment, health insurance,

Safe neighbourhoods Shelter from the

environment

Growth needs do not stem from a lack of something, but rather from a desire to grow as a person.

3. Social Needs Needs for belonging,

love and affection. Less basic than physiological and security needs.

Relationships such as friendships, romantic attachments and families help fulfill this need for companionship and acceptance

4. Esteem Needs These include the need

for things that reflect on self-esteem, personal worth, social recognition and accomplishment.

The need for respect, status, recognition, fame, prestige and attention.

The need for self respect, competence, mastery, self confidence, independence and freedom.

5. Self-actualizing Needs This is the highest level

of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Self-actualizing people are self-aware, concerned with personal growth, less concerned with the opinions of others and interested fulfilling their potential.

In order to reach this state all other levels must not only be met but mastered

Questions – hand in

1. Why do people use defence Mechanisms? I (1)2. How are Esteem Needs related to Self-ideal? I

(1)3. Why is self esteem important to you? I (1)4. How can someone increase their self esteem? I

(1)5. Do you think that the ideas behind Maslow’s

Hierarchy of needs should be used more in this school?-Example: breakfast programs, self help group. I(2)