Phychological Defense Mechanisms

There are some of the most common defense mechanisms.

Term	Definition	Example
Compensation (보상)	Overachieving in one area to make up for failures in another.	A student who struggles academically excels in sports.
Conversion (전환)	Emotional conflict is transformed into physical symptoms.	A person becomes blind after witnessing a traumatic event, despite no medical cause.
Denial (부정)	Refusing to accept reality or facts.	A smoker denies that smoking is harmful to their health.
Dissociation (해리)	A disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory.	A person who experienced abuse feels detached from their body.
Displacement (전위)	Redirecting emotions from the original source to a safer substitute.	After being scolded by a boss, a person argues with their spouse at home.
Projection (투사)	Attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others.	Someone who is angry accuses others of being hostile.
Identification (동일시)	Adopting characteristics or behaviors of a person who is a threat.	A bullied child begins to bully others.
Introjection (주입)	Internalizing the beliefs or values of others.	A child adopts a parent’s strict moral code as their own.
Isolation of affect (격리)	Separating emotions from thoughts or memories.	Talking about a traumatic event with no emotional expression.
Rationalization (합리화)	Justifying behaviors or feelings with logical reasons, avoiding the real explanation.	Saying you failed a test because it was unfair.
Reaction formation (반동형성)	Acting in a way opposite to one’s true feelings.	Treating someone you dislike in an overly friendly manner.
Repression (억압)	The unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses. The person is not aware that these thoughts or feelings exist.	A person who was abused as a child has no memory of the abuse but has trouble forming relationships as an adult.
Regression (퇴행)	Reverting to behavior typical of an earlier developmental stage.	An adult throws a tantrum when things don’t go their way.
Sublimation (승화)	Channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities.	A person with aggressive urges becomes a boxer.
Undoing (취소)	Trying to "undo" a thought or behavior by doing the opposite. 남을 험담한 후 친절하게 대하려 함.	After thinking a mean thought, someone performs a kind act.