What are defense mechanisms in psychology?

Defense mechanisms in psychology refer to unconscious strategies that individuals employ to protect themselves from anxiety and distressing emotions or thoughts. These mechanisms operate primarily at an unconscious level, allowing individuals to avoid facing uncomfortable realities or feelings.

For instance, when an individual experiences feelings of guilt over a certain behavior, they might use rationalization to justify their actions rather than confronting the underlying guilt. Similarly, projection can lead someone to attribute their unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others, shielding themselves from acknowledging these traits within themselves.

In contrast, conscious coping strategies may involve more direct efforts to manage stress using problem-solving or mindfulness techniques, which aren't classified as defense mechanisms. Methods aimed at enhancing cognitive flexibility or improving social interactions focus on developing skills and strategies for better thinking or communication rather than on the protective, unconscious nature of defense mechanisms. Thus, recognizing defense mechanisms as unconscious phenomena highlights their role in psychological protection against anxiety and how they influence behavior and thought processes without the individual's awareness.