Protective mechanisms are in psychological terms called as
defense mechanisms. Defense mechanisms can be defined as the
unconscious process that aims to protect oneself from anxiety
provoking impulses and feelings(example:guilt and shame).
According to psychodynamic theory of psychology using mature
defenses helps an individual to meet life's challenges in the long
run. Some of these are:
- Humor : Humor is one of the best protective mechanisms to meet
life's challenges. It reduces emotions such as fear, anxiety and
induces a sense of well being. Thus it allows a person to meet the
challenges and looking at life in alight hearted manner. Example :
laughing at your own mistakes prevents you from feeling ashamed or
anxious about it.
- Sublimation: This protective mechanism basically is converting
your unconscious, unacceptable impulses into an acceptable forms.
Example: drawing a painting of a murder than actually performing
the act.
- Acceptance : This is another of the most important protective
mechanisms. Instead of denying ones own reality and life challenges
it's best to accept it. After acceptance it becomes easier to
handle the challenge instead when you pose a blind eye to it.
- Altruism : Helping another one is the best way to deal with
your own pain and challenges sometimes. One not only gets the joy
and serotonin secretion of helping someone but also learns from
those experiences.