What are defense mechanisms?

Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that individuals employ to cope with anxiety, stress, or other forms of emotional discomfort. These mechanisms operate at an unconscious level, helping to protect an individual's sense of self and maintain psychological stability in challenging situations. For instance, when faced with a stressful event, a person might use rationalization to justify their behavior, or repression to push uncomfortable thoughts out of their conscious awareness.

Understanding defense mechanisms is important as they influence behavior and emotional responses in various situations. They play a crucial role in maintaining mental health by providing temporary relief from distress, allowing individuals to manage complex emotions and navigate difficult experiences.