Defense mechanisms (Collection: Mental Health )

Defense mechanisms are proposed ways that people learn to cope with disturbing thoughts and emotions. Defense mechanisms are typically similar to coping mechanisms, but with a few distinctions. The term Defense mechanisms originated in the psychodynamic literature, while the term coping mechanisms originated in some other more empirical literature. Defense mechanisms are typically thought of as negative adaptations that are symptoms in themselves in need of help, while coping mechanisms are thought of as more evolved, positive adaptations to problems and stress. Examples of defense mechanisms defined in this glossary are Splitting and Projection.

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