Peculiarities of the mechanisms of psychological defense and coping strategies among teenagers with different types of parenting

Abstract

The goal of this article is to examine the psychological defense mechanisms and coping strategies of teenagers with different types of parenting. The subject of this research is the mechanisms of psychological defense and coping strategies of teenagers with different types of ubpringing. The empirical object of the research became the sample of 72 teenagers (36 girls and 28 boys), aged 14 to 15, as well as 72 parents (mothers). Based on the results of empirical research, the author acquired scientific facts on specificity of using psychological defense mechanisms and coping strategies by teenagers with different types of parenting. The research program contains diagnostic techniques of parenting strategies, family relationship, mechanism of psychological defense of personality, and coping strategies. The statistical analysis was carried out using the parametric student's T-test. The scientific facts obtained in the course of study broaden the perspective on teenagers and possibilities of rendering them psychological assistance within the framework of non-constructive forms of coping strategies and coping behavior. The following conclusions were made: 1) teenagers raised by authoritarian parents try to avoid contact with reality and solution of the arising problems, they usually use the psychological defense mechanism “compensation”; 2) teenagers from the families with democratic parenting often use the psychological defense mechanism “intellectualization” and coping the strategy for solving problems; 3) the peculiarity of hyperprotective parenting forms the psychological defense mechanism “substitution” and coping strategy of avoiding problems; 4) pandering type of parenting results in manifestation of the desire to avoid contact with surrounding reality and solution of the problems, the most widespread strategy of coping behavior among such teenagers is “avoidance”.