kaitsemekanismile

Kaitsemekanismile, often translated as "defense mechanism," refers to unconscious psychological strategies used to cope with reality and maintain self-image. These mechanisms operate outside of conscious awareness and are a way for the ego to protect itself from anxiety arising from unacceptable thoughts or feelings. Sigmund Freud and his daughter Anna Freud were instrumental in developing the concept of defense mechanisms.

There are numerous defense mechanisms, each serving a distinct protective function. Repression is a primary mechanism where threatening or painful thoughts and memories are pushed into the unconscious. Denial is the refusal to accept reality or fact, acting as if a painful event did not exist. Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person.

Other common defense mechanisms include displacement, where emotions are redirected from their original target to a substitute; rationalization, which involves creating logical but untrue reasons to justify unacceptable behavior; and reaction formation, where a person behaves in a way that is the exact opposite of their true feelings. Regression involves reverting to an earlier stage of development to cope with stress. Sublimation is a more mature defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses are transformed into socially acceptable behaviors. These mechanisms, while often adaptive in the short term, can become problematic if overused or if they prevent an individual from addressing underlying issues.