védmechanizmusok

védmechanizmusok, or defense mechanisms, are unconscious psychological strategies used to cope with reality and maintain self-image. They are a core concept in psychoanalytic theory, first extensively described by Sigmund Freud and later elaborated upon by his daughter, Anna Freud. These mechanisms operate automatically and often distort or deny reality to protect the individual from anxiety, unacceptable thoughts or feelings, and perceived threats to their ego.

Common defense mechanisms include repression, which involves pushing unwanted thoughts or memories out of conscious awareness; denial, where an individual refuses to acknowledge a painful reality; projection, attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or impulses to another person; and rationalization, creating logical explanations for behaviors or feelings that are actually driven by irrational motives. Other examples include displacement, where emotions are redirected from their original target to a safer one, and reaction formation, where an individual behaves in a way that is the opposite of their true feelings.

While defense mechanisms can be adaptive and help individuals navigate difficult situations in the short term, their excessive or rigid use can be detrimental. Over-reliance on these unconscious strategies can lead to distorted perceptions of reality, hinder personal growth, and contribute to psychological distress. Therapy often involves identifying and understanding an individual's defense mechanisms to promote more mature and effective coping strategies.