Wednesday 14 March 2012

Defense Mechanisms - Mar 2012

This column tells you the rules of defense originated from Freud. Upon upsetting and embarrassing situations which lead to negative emotions and thoughts, defense mechanisms give us some ways to avoid direct conflict with the harassment, thus protecting our self-esteem.

Among dozens of the defense mechanisms, some are better while some are not. In addition, it is harmful to our mental health if we use one skill too often. The aim of this column is to raise the awareness of our mental health, and possibly provide suggestions on enhancing it. Hope you will find it interesting! Good health! 

Projection

It is the attribution of our own emotions or thoughts on others. It is a rather common defense mechanism which is used unconsciously. Instead of saying what they think (or their desire), they project the thought to another person. In another words, someone is going to be the goat of guilt.

Picture: Venus Lai
Be aware! Words from projection may not be true. If you observe what others say carefully, you may find out what they are actually thinking. 

Venus Lai

References:
Patel, S.C., & Jakopac, K.A. (2012). Manual of Psychiatric Nursing Skills. London: Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.
 
Robinson, J., & McCormick, D.J. (2011). Concepts in Health and Wellness. New York: Cengage Learning.

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