Activity 31 Defense Mechanisms

Student preparation: Study the defense mechanisms

Procedure:

1. Identify instances when you have observed each of these mechanisms in other people.
2. Identify instances when the mechanisms have occurred in your behaviors.
   1. Have you ever forgotten someone’s name, an important item, appointment or memory.
   2. Do you have unrealistic phobias?
   3. Do you have any immature habits such as pouting or sulking when things do not go your way?
   4. Have you ever provided an excuse for something that you did or did not do?
   5. Have you ever taken your anger out on someone else?
   6. Identifying defense mechanisms are an opportunity to be aware of immature behaviors and grow from them.
   7. How might defense mechanisms affect personality?