Question

Match the defense mechanism with the example.

John's grandfather is dying, but as each of his aunts and uncles leave his hospital room, he hears them make such remarks as: "He looks so much better today," "I really believe he's going to pull through," "His color is a lot better today." Having seen his grandfather himself, he attributes their remarks to the defense mechanism of

      [ Choose ]            Sublimation            Displacement            Reaction formation            Regression            Rationalization            Projection            Denial      

Convincing yourself that you didn't really want the car you couldn't afford is an example of

      [ Choose ]            Sublimation            Displacement            Reaction formation            Regression            Rationalization            Projection            Denial      

Answer 1

Ans.

The answer to the first example is Denial. Denial refers to the complete rejection or disregard of a current state of truth or fact. It is usually used when the truth or fact is either too painful to accept or when its acceptance brings upon shame and guilt. As in the former case, John’s aunts and uncles’ remarks are an indication that they are disregarding the fact that John’s grandfather is on the verge of passing away, may be because of the fact that it is too painful for them to accept this truth. Thus, it is a case of using denial as a defence mechanism.

The answer to the second example is Rationalization. Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which one attempts to justify or logically explain an undesirable behaviour or state, the acceptance of which is painful or shameful for him/her. In the given example, in ‘convincing’ yourself that you did not really want the car instead of accepting the truth that the car was beyond your affordability, you are bending the truth in a manner or direction that would not hurt your pride. Thus, it is a case of using rationalization as a defense mechanism.