Can You Spot Defense Mechanisms? Take the Test

1. What’s the best definition of defense mechanisms?

Defense mechanisms are conscious steps that people take to solve difficult interpersonal problems.

Defense mechanisms are unconscious processes that protect people from anxiety or conflict.

Defense mechanisms are a suite of mental illnesses that involve emotional dysregulation.

2. What is projection?

Attributing one’s unacceptable feelings or desires to someone else.

A process where people intentionally deceive others to avoid consequences.

A method of problem-solving that involves logically analyzing emotions.

3. Which of the following is an example of regression?

A student blames their teacher for a bad grade instead of admitting they didn’t study.

An employee channels their frustration into organizing their workspace more efficiently.

A child reverts to earlier behaviors, such as tantrums, to get attention when a sibling is born.

4. What is rationalization?

Refusing to accept reality because it is too distressing.

Justifying a mistake or problematic feeling with seemingly logical reasons or explanations.

Attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else.

5. What is intellectualization?

Researching a psychological challenge to solve it.

Trying to forget a traumatic event to avoid distress.

Focusing on the intellectual rather than emotional consequences of a situation.

6. Why do people develop defense mechanisms?

Because they’re adaptive in helping the person function in a particular environment, such as in childhood.

Because children are explicitly taught these behaviors to manage their emotions.

Because of a genetic predisposition, where certain defenses are genetically coded and activated in response to stress.

7. Are defense mechanisms always unhealthy?

Yes. Defense mechanisms are always destructive.

No. Defense mechanisms are never a problem.

Sometimes. Defense mechanisms can be helpful in some situations and harmful in others.

8. How do defense mechanisms manifest in therapy?

Defense mechanisms don’t occur in therapy because the client and therapist share honestly with one another.

Defense mechanisms occur in therapy, but it’s impossible to identify them in the moment.

Defense mechanisms occur in therapy, and the therapist may guide the client in acknowledging them.

9. How can therapy address and change harmful defense mechanisms?

By helping individuals recognize their defense mechanisms, understand their roots, change their behavior.

By teaching individuals how to suppress their emotions and thereby render their defense mechanisms irrelevant.

By helping individuals improve their analytical reasoning skills.

10. How can individuals address and change harmful defense mechanisms?

By focusing on positive thoughts and avoiding difficult emotions.

By identifying the relationships that evoke their defenses, and cutting ties with those people.

By becoming aware of what triggers them and changing their response in the moment.

Can You Spot Defense Mechanisms?