Common Psychological Defense Mechanisms

If you've heard of Freud, then you are probably familiar with the concept that people employ defense mechanisms which they use to protect themselves from uncomfortable emotions or situations. While most of these defenses are part of a subconscious process, outside the person's awareness, they can be identified with increased self-awareness or talk therapy.

Defense mechanisms are a double-edged sword. They can help protect an individual from constantly reliving a traumatic experience and help them function in day-to-day tasks, however they can also stop people from moving forward in their lives, when problems go unaddressed.

John M. Grohol at PsychCentral takes a look at 15 Common Defense Mechanisms such as denial, rationalisation and repression.