Freud's Defense Mechanism

Introduction

The first concepts of defense mechanism originated with Sigmund Freud, they "described a mental operation that kept painful thoughts and affects out of awareness" (Cramer, 2000). However, Cloninger (2008) states "defense mechanisms are adopted if direct expression of the id impulse is unacceptable to the superego or dangerous in the real world". Freud labeled eight defense mechanisms: denial, reaction formation, projection, displacement, identification, isolation, rationalization, and intellectualization. Studies have classified these eight defense mechanisms into 3 categories: neurotic, mature, and immature. The neurotic defense mechanism discussed in this assignment will include reaction formation. Mature or "adaptive defenses" (Yu, 2011), sublimation and rationalization are "essential to mental health, for they maximize gratification and restore psychological homeostasis" (Yu, 2001). On the other hand, projection, displacement and denial "are primitive in nature, distort reality in way that requires relatively low levels of cognitive capacity" (Yu, 2011). A discussion and application of these six defense mechanisms: reaction formation, sublimation, suppression, projection, displacement and rationalization, will follow.

Defense Mechanisms

Cramer (2000) states, "reaction formation is represented in self-presentation ploys associated with counteracting prejudice, racism, and sexism through overly positive behaviors". As one is presented with reaction formation, the original, rejected impulse does not vanish, but silently residences in the unconscious, in its opposite form. This defense mechanism is spread all over our television screens, in our homes, and communities. Examples of reaction formation are seen as sex scandals are constantly revived of sport figures (eg. Kobe Bryant), Politicians (eg. Anthony Weiner) and Clergyman (eg. Bishop Eddie Long). Real world examples of reaction formation can been seen the hiring process; unconsciously he/she harbors prejudices against Blacks, consciously he/she shows that are an equal person and not prejudices, to make the unconscious and the conscious align he/she will hire an equally qualified Black person over the equally qualified White person. This occurs because neurotics are "unable to operate until the development of morality" (Yu, 2011).

Sublimation is "the most desirable and healthy way of dealing with unacceptable impulses" (Cloninger, 2008), of all the defense mechanism sublimation is the mature and adaptive of Freud's eight defense mechanisms. Susan Cloninger (2008), defines sublimation as a "defense mechanism in which impulses are expressed in socially acceptable ways", she also gives and example of aggressive impulses being sublimated into competitive sports (eg. Football and Wrestling). Personally I have used sublimation in my life; because of events that occurred in my childhood I acted out (promiscuity), once I entered college and began to evaluate the way my life was going I choice to ended all acts of promiscuity and focus on building my spiritual connection the Christ and dedicate my time to school. By effectively, applying sublimation in my life, I have been able to successfully continue school with out interruption (of children) and marry a wonderful loving man.

The second adaptive defense mechanism being discussed is rationalization. Rationalization is defined as "plausible, but false, reasons for an action to disguise the true motives" (Cloninger, 2008). These are logical attempts to make socially unacceptable impulses of the unconscious, acceptable in the conscious. Rationalization is considered a mature defense mechanism because involves little distortion from reality (Cloninger, 2008). Cramer (2000) asserts, "there is now a great deal of support for the notion that an unconscious inference or attribution process underlies the subjective experience," this can been seen when a parent spanks a child; although the parent says it is teaching the child how to behave, the underlying cause is resentment. Rationalization can be seen in neglectful parents excuses they make for why they cannot pick up their children on time, pay child support, or even call daily.

Immature defenses are numerous; the first defenses mechanisms discussed in this category will be projection. A recent study suggests individuals who use projection are "self-critical individuals to cope with feelings of failure and worthlessness" (Campos, Besser, & Blatt, 2011). Cloninger