Defense mechanisms protect ego from "summary" of A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis BY Sigmund Freud by Sigmund Freud
Defense mechanisms serve as a protective barrier for the ego, shielding it from the potentially harmful effects of unconscious conflicts and desires. When the ego is faced with anxiety-provoking thoughts or impulses, it employs various defense mechanisms to minimize or avoid the discomfort associated with these internal conflicts. One such defense mechanism is repression, where the ego pushes unacceptable or threatening thoughts, feelings, or memories into the unconscious mind. By doing so, the ego can maintain a sense of psychological equilibrium and prevent the individual from becoming overwhelmed by these distressing thoughts. Another common defense mechanism is denial, where the individual refuses to acknowledge the reality of a situation or their own feelings about it. This allows the ego to protect itself from the anxiety that would arise if the individual were to confront the truth head-on. Projection is another defense mechanism where the individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto someone else. By projecting these undesirable qualities onto another person, the individual can distance themselves from the discomfort of acknowledging these aspects of themselves. Rationalization is a defense mechanism that involves creating logical explanations or justifications for one's behavior or feelings, even when they are irrational or unjustified. This allows the individual to preserve their self-image and ego by convincing themselves that their actions are justified in some way. In summary, defense mechanisms are psychological strategies employed by the ego to protect itself from distressing thoughts, feelings, or impulses. By utilizing these defense mechanisms, the ego is able to maintain a sense of internal balance and protect itself from the potentially damaging effects of unconscious conflicts.
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