Psychoanalysis.  2020 Jan;31(1):1-10. 10.18529/psychoanal.2020.31.1.1.

Classification and Evaluation of Defense Mechanisms

• Hong S
• Ha JH

• KMID: 2507747
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18529/psychoanal.2020.31.1.1

Abstract

A defense mechanism is an automatic psychological process that protects an individual from anxiety and internal or external risks or stressors. Defense mechanisms work largely in unconscious states and are associated with emotional conflicts and re-sponses to internal and external stress. Applying specific patterns of defense would reflect the ego function level or maturation of each individual. Hence evaluation of defense mechanisms can offer valuable information for the psychodynamic understanding of patients. Authors have introduced the history of concepts of defense mechanisms, classification of defense, and various kinds of evaluation methods. These aspects can be classified into direct or indirect methods. Direct examinations comprise a di-rect evaluation by clinicians such as the Vaillant Defense Mechanism Rating Scale and a self-report method such as the Defense Style Questionnaire. Indirect examinations comprise a projective test such as the Rorschach test and objective tests such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.

Keyword

Defense mechanism; Psychometry; Evaluation; Adjustment