Harmful Defense Mechanisms vs Effective Defense Mechanisms

It is important to find out how your patient deals with their emotions. Chances are, they can describe their behaviors or their feelings for events, but not give clinic terms for what they do. A skilled interviewer will be able to work with the client through their feelings, and then they can discuss the behaviors that were displayed. This information will help the clinician to determine the clients “defense mechanisms.” Morrison explains it this way, “The way that people deal with their “emotions and behaviors are called defense mechanisms,” (Morrison, p.65).

According to Morrison, “defense mechanisms” are either “potentially harmful” or “effective.” “Potentially Harmful Mechanisms” are; “Acting out, denial, devaluation, displacement, dissociation, fantasy, intellectualization, projection, repression, splitting, reaction formation, and somatization.” “Effective defense mechanisms” are; “Altruism, humor, sublimation, and suppression” (pg. 66). The defense mechanisms listed above are not the only defense mechanisms; however, these are the ones that the author chose to give examples of. I was once told that sarcasm is a defense mechanism, so I am surprised that it is not on the author’s list, because of how prevalent sarcasm is. However, I didn’t realize that defense mechanisms could be positive.

Morrison provided examples of negative/ineffective defense mechanisms, because it shows how those defense mechanisms can be damaging to the client. So, as a therapist we would want to teach the client how to change the ineffective defense mechanisms to effective ones. For example, by teaching the client how to use humor, when appropriate, it will help them to deal with their emotions and behaviors. Humor has another benefit as well – it helps people to become physically healthy. There have been studies done that prove humor and laughter aid in opening up the lungs (improving breathing), boost endorphins (chemicals that lift mood), and the jiggle in the belly helps to move the intestines (regulate bowels).

The client will be better able to cope with their emotions and behaviors once they learn effective coping skills (defense mechanisms).

 

References

 

Morrison, J., (2008). The First Interview. (3^rd Ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.