J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry.  2009 Oct;20(3):140-145.

A Comparison Study of Ego Defense Mechanisms between Conduct Adolescents and Normal Adolescents

• Song JH
• Jhin HK
• Kim B

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study explored the differences in their ego defense mechanisms between adolescents with conduct disorder and normal adolescents.
METHODS
Subjects were 35 adolescents with conduct disorder and 44 normal adolescents. The Ewha Defense Mechanism Test (EDMT), consisting of 200 items and 20 scales, was administered, to examine the defense mechanisms of both groups of adolescents.
RESULTS
Normal adolescents presented statistically significantly higher scores on the reaction formation, controlling, suppression, anticipation, dissociation, and distortion scales than did adolescents with conduct disorder. Zn addition, adolescents with conduct disorder used neurotic defense mechanisms of both neurotic and mature levels less frequently than normal adolescents did. Factor analysis revealed that, normal adolescents had higher scores on ego-expansive factor scales and behavior control factor scales thanadolescents with conduct disorder did.
CONCLUSION
The results suggest adolescents with conduct disorder use mature and ego-expansive defense mechanisms less frequently than do normal adolescents.

Keyword

Conduct Disorder; Adolescent; Defense Mechanisms

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Behavior Control
Conduct Disorder
Defense Mechanisms
Dissociative Disorders
Ego
Humans
Weights and Measures