Puolustusmekanismeille

Puolustusmekanismeille, often translated as defense mechanisms, are psychological strategies used by the unconscious mind to protect a person from anxiety arising from unacceptable thoughts or feelings. These mechanisms operate outside of conscious awareness and distort or deny reality in some way. They are considered a normal and healthy part of human functioning, essential for maintaining emotional stability and coping with stress.

Sigmund Freud first introduced the concept of defense mechanisms, and his daughter Anna Freud further elaborated on them. Common defense mechanisms include repression, which involves pushing unwanted thoughts and memories into the unconscious; denial, where a person refuses to accept reality; projection, attributing one's own unacceptable feelings to others; and rationalization, creating logical but false explanations for behavior.

Other defense mechanisms include displacement, redirecting emotions to a less threatening target; regression, returning to an earlier developmental stage; reaction formation, behaving in a way opposite to one's true feelings; and sublimation, channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities. While beneficial in the short term, over-reliance on defense mechanisms or their use in rigid ways can hinder personal growth and lead to psychological difficulties. Therapists may help individuals identify and understand their defense mechanisms to develop healthier coping strategies.