The study of the psychological defence and coping style of the depression episode sufferers

Abstract

Objective To study the psychological defence (PD)and coping style(CS) of the patients suffering depressive episode (DE). Methods 104 cases of the experimental group and 104 cases of the control group, which were stratified sampled, had been investigated by applying defensive style questionnaire(DSQ), coping style questionnaire(CSQ). Results The total score of the immature PD of the experimental group(5.19±0.73) was significantly higher(t=2.93, P<0.05)than that of the control group(4.41±0.76). In the immature mechanism, withdrawal, somatization, avoiding, passive aggression were significantly higher, but the complaints and fantasy were significantly lower. The total score of mature PD of the experimental group(4.49±0.61) was significantly lower (t=-6.02, P<0.01) than that of the control group(6.01±0.85). For the mature mechanism, sublimation and humor were lower and the repression was higher.And for the CS, problem solving, consulting and rationalization scores were significantly lower than those of the control group(t=-4.58, P<0.01; t=-4.49, P<0.01; t=-4.01, P<0.01). The self-accusation, retreat scores were significantly higher than those of the control group(t=8.21, P<0.01; t=5.31, P<0.01). Conclusion Patients suffering DE are apt to use immature PD and CS.To increase the therapeutic effect, the style of the patients’ PD and CS should be highlighted, and it is necessary to take steps to guide the patients to use mature PD and CS. Key words: Depressive episode; Psychological defense mechanism; Coping style; Psychological intervention