Defense mechanisms are emotional approaches that we take to guard us againstthe anxiety that comes from undesirable feelings like guilt. These mechanisms help us to eradicate unwanted feelings and make us feel better about ourselves. Examples of these defense mechanisms are displacement, sublimation, and rationalization.

Displacement

Displacement involves shifting your frustrations to a vulnerable target such as a person, a pet, or an object. For example, I used to hide my sibling’s toys whenever my parents grounded me. I chose to harass my siblings because I was angry with my parents for punishing me. My siblings were an easy target for my frustrations because they could not fight back. Likewise, pestering them helped me to forget my punishment.

Sublimation

This defense mechanism refers to turning our intolerable impulses into constructive activities like sports and arts. In my case, I like reading fiction novels whenever I feel angry. The stories in these novels help me to overcome my anger because most of them are exciting to read. I prefer reading a book—which is a very constructive activity—rather than executing my wrath on destructive actions.

Rationalization

It refers to using an excuse to justify a situation that can jeopardize your reputation and credibility. Most people who chose this type of defense mechanism do it thoughtlessly. For instance, I blamed my teachers whenever my parents asked why my grades had dropped. I decided to lie about the competence of our teachers rather than accept that I failed because I did not work hard. Additionally, I did not want my parents to rebuke me for my failure at school.

Defense mechanisms help us to distort the realities of our lives and feel better about ourselves. These mechanisms occur frequently, and we should learn to make use of them to become better versions of ourselves. Likewise, we should prefer the tools that have positive impacts on our lives like sublimation.

 
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