Defense Style Questionnaire Research Articles

Comparison of the Temperament-Character Dimensions, Coping Styles, And Defense Mechanisms in Substance Abusers Under Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) and Untreated Abusers: the Role of Individual Behaviors in Promoting Global Sustainability

Objective: The present study aims at comparing the temperament-character dimensions, coping styles, and defense mechanisms in substance abusers under methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and untreated abusers. Theoretical Framework: Staying in treatment is one of the most important issues that patients with substance abuse are facing. Determining the role of personality dimensions and coping mechanisms in substance abuse, were the gap of previous research leading us to conduct present research Method: In a retrospective study, 60 individuals (30 persons under treatment and 30 persons without any treatment) were selected by convenient sampling methods. Coping Inventory for Stressful Situ-ations (CISS), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), and Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) were used for collecting data. Results and Discussion: The results illustrated that there is a significant difference among the four dimensions of character-personality: novelty seeking (p<0.001), harm avoidance (p<0.001), self-directedness (p<0.001) and cooperation (p<0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference between two groups in the problem-oriented coping style (p<0.001) and the avoidance coping style (p<0.001). In the defensive styles, there were significant differences between two groups in the developed (p<0.001) and the non-developed (p<0.01) defensive styles. According to the results, it can be concluded that the novelty seeking, harm avoidance, self-directedness and cooperation personality dimensions also, problem-oriented and avoidance coping styles and non-developed defensive style are determinant factors of maintenance in treatment. Research Implications: The results have important implications in the clinical field, since knowing the characteristics of the personality profile of abusers leads us to identify risky personality traits (novelty seeking and harm avoidance) and protective personality traits (self-direction and cooperativeness). Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by analyzing the main predictive factors to the abuse phenomenon; coping styles oriented towards the problem and avoidance, as well as mature and immature defense mechanisms represent important dimensions that are little analyzed in the literature in order to prevent the phenomenon.

Risk Factors for Love Addiction in a Sample of Young Adult Students: A Multiple Mediation Model Exploring the Role of Adult Attachment, Separation Anxiety, and Defense Mechanisms.

In certain situations, romantic engagement with a partner can have detrimental effects on an individual's well-being and overall health, exhibiting features attributable to addictive behaviors. Considering the clinical significance of this phenomenon and its prevalence among adolescents and young adults, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential associations between some risk factors for love addiction in a sample of university students, with a specific focus on adult attachment, separation anxiety, and defense mechanisms. A total of 332 participants (Mage = 23 years; SD = 2.462) completed a survey consisting of the Love Addiction Inventory-Short Form, Relationship Questionnaire, Seven Domains Addiction Scale (Separation Anxiety domain), and Forty Item Defense Style Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation, and a multiple mediation model was also implemented. Results showed that fearful attachment was significantly and positively associated with love addiction. Furthermore, this relationship was mediated by separation anxiety and neurotic/immature defense mechanisms too. These findings contribute to the existing literature on love addiction and provide valuable insights for future research and clinical practice.

Association of Ego Defense Mechanisms with Electrolyte and Inflammation Marker Levels, Interdialytic Weight Gain, Depression, Alexithymia, and Sleep Disorders in Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis.

Background/Objectives: Ego defense mechanisms are subconscious processes that help individuals cope with stressors from both external and internal realities. They are divided into three levels based on their adaptive function. Patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis are those who have been treated with this method for longer than three months. Only a few studies have examined the defense mechanisms in hemodialysis patients. Our study aimed to examine the association between ego defense mechanisms and alexithymia, depression, and sleep disorders, as well as clinical and biochemical variables, in a group of 170 hemodialysis patients. Methods: We used the Defense Style Questionnaire-40, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-26, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Hamilton Depression Inventory as our analyses methods. Clinical and biochemical variables, along with interdialytic weight gain, were measured before the hemodialysis session. Results: There was a positive correlation between the affect displacement and dissociation with leukocyte levels (Spearman's rho = 0.192, p = 0.02; rho = 0.165, p = 0.04), and between autistic fantasy and phosphorus levels (rho = -0.163, p = 0.04). Depressive HD patients had higher levels of somatization, affect displacement, and splitting compared to the HD patients without depression (Man-Whitney U test, p = 0.005, p = 0.022, p = 0.045). There were higher levels of immature defense mechanisms in the group of patients with alexithymia than in the group without alexithymia (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The immature defense mechanisms were our research model's strongest predictive factor of alexithymia (OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.75).

The Role of Resilience and Defense Styles in Caregiver Burden Among the Mothers of Children with Cancer: A Descriptive-Correlational Study

Background: The diagnosis of childhood cancer can be considered a multidimensional crisis for parents, particularly mothers. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the predictive role of defense styles and resilience in the caregiver burden experienced by mothers of children with cancer. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study focuses on mothers of children with cancer who were hospitalized in the pediatric wards of Seyed al-Shohada Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. A total of 136 participants were selected using convenience sampling. The study utilized the Defense Styles Questionnaire (DSQ-40), the Zarit Burden Scale (ZBS), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) to collect data. The data were analyzed using STATA16. Results: On average, mothers had a caregiver burden score of 38.65 and a resilience score of 93.51. The majority of mothers (62.5%) exhibited neurotic defensive styles. The regression test results indicated a significant inverse relationship between caregiver burden and resilience (P = 0.002), as well as a significant relationship between the child’s sex and caregiver burden (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that counseling and psycho-cognitive programs be designed, developed, implemented, and evaluated to enhance the resilience of mothers of children with cancer and thereby reduce their caregiver burden.

Relationship between defense styles and neurochemical variables of the hippocampus in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

This study aims to assess the correlation between NAA (N-acetyl-l-aspartate), CHO (choline), and CRE (creatine) levels in the hippocampus regions of individuals suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and defensive styles of the ego. The study group was composed of twenty patients with OCD and twenty healthy controls. NAA, CHO, and CRE values in the hippocampal region using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) were measured. Participants' defense styles were ascertained by administering the Defense Style Questionnaire-40. The patient group's NAA levels were considerably lower than the control group's on both sides of the hippocampus. The levels of CHO and CRE did not significantly differ between the two groups. The following statistically significant correlations were discovered: in the comparison group, there were negative correlations between the scores of mature defense styles and the right and left CHO levels, as well as between the immature defense mechanism scores and the right NAA levels in both the patient and control groups. In the patient group, there were also negative correlations between the left NAA values and the scores of mature defense styles. OCD patients have lower levels of NAA in the hippocampus. To validate and extend the current findings, more research involving a greater sample size is required.

Investigation of the Effect of Mindfulness-Based Psychoeducation on Defense Mechanisms and Mindful Awareness in Nursing Students

Objective: Today, there is a growing interest in mindfulness-based therapies. Such practices can be beneficial by contributing to the personal and professional development of nursing students. In this study, the effect of mindfulness-based psychoeducation applied to Turkish nursing students on defense mechanisms and mindfulness was evaluated. Methods: The research was designed as a quasi-experimental study with a control group. Psychoeducation was delivered online between 08.03.2021 and 17.05.2021 in 16 sessions over 8 weeks. Data were collected using the Defense Style Questionnaire and the Awareness Scale. Percentage distributions, t-test, chi-square test, and paired samples t-test were used to analyze the data. Results: It was found that the students’ use of mature defenses and mindful awareness increased after the mindfulness-based psychoeducational, and the differences between the experimental-control groups and the mean scores of the pretest-posttest data were significant (p

Pathways towards posttraumatic stress symptomatology: A moderated mediation model including perceived stress, worry, and defense mechanisms.

The general aim of this study was to examine the psychological variables associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology, focusing on perceived stress, worry, as well as mature, neurotic, and immature defenses. Therefore, the differences in the study variables based on the levels of posttraumatic stress were explored, and a moderated mediation model was tested, controlling for gender and SARS-CoV-2 infection as covariates. A sample of 1,864 Italian participants completed the Impact of event scale-revised (IES-R), the 10-Item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), and the 40-Item Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40). 41% (n = 764) of participants showed scores indicative of a probable presence of PTSD. They reported significantly higher levels of perceived stress, worry, neurotic and immature defenses than participants with lower PTSD symptomatology. Perceived stress was significantly associated with PTSD symptomatology, both directly and indirectly through the mediation of worry. Furthermore, neurotic and immature defenses were significant moderators in some relationships of this model. Such data can provide useful indications to elaborate tailored interventions and specific prevention activities for PTSD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Longitudinal trajectories of intensity and direction of emotions among athletes in sports competitions: do defense mechanisms matter?

ABSTRACT Objectives This study explored whether several subgroups of athletes representing distinct trajectories of intensity and direction of pleasant and unpleasant emotions (anger, anxiety, dejection, excitement, and happiness) could be shown to exist within the latent growth analysis (LCGA). A secondary objective was to examine whether athletes belonging to distinct trajectories of intensity and direction of emotions reported distinct scores of adaptive defense mechanisms (ADM) and maladaptive defense mechanisms (MDM). Design A longitudinal four-wave measurement design was used in the present study. Method 380 athletes completed the sports emotion questionnaire direction across four measurement times and the defense style questionnaire at the beginning of the season. Results Results of LCGAs revealed several distinct emotional trajectories for each emotion intensity and emotion direction. Moreover, athletes belonging to distinct (adaptive or maladaptive) trajectories reported significantly different scores of ADM and MDM. Higher scores of ADM were reported by athletes belonging to adaptive trajectories of the direction of emotions. Conclusions Sports psychologists should try to promote ADM and defensive flexibility to help athletes perceive their emotions as facilitative.

Impact of Defense Mechanism Styles on Disease Progression in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer: Focusing on Clinical Staging.

The escalating incidence of cancer and the concurrent rise in mental health issues necessitate investigation into the potential for psychological factors to impede timely and effective treatment. This study examines the association between defense mechanism styles and disease progression, specifically focusing on clinical staging, in patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Employing a descriptive correlational design, the study recruited 205 patients with GI cancer admitted to Javad Al-Aeme Hospital in Kerman, Iran, during the year 2022. Convenience sampling was utilized for participant selection. Data collection instruments included the Defense Style Questionnaire-40 (DSQ-40) and patients' documented clinical stage information. Correlation coefficients and ordinal logistic regression were employed for data analysis. Over half of 205 GI cancer patients were female (53.2%). The majority were married (85.8%) with an average age of 53.86 ± 8.21years. Nearly a quarter (23.9%) were in disease stage 1, with similar proportions in stages 2 (25.4%), 3 (27.3%), and 4 (23.4%). The findings revealed a significant inverse correlation between mature defense mechanism styles and clinical stage (r = - 0.55, p < 0.001), indicating that patients who employed more adaptive defense mechanisms had lower-stage cancer. Conversely, a significant positive correlation was observed between immature defense mechanism styles and clinical stage (r = - 0.49, p < 0.001), suggesting that patients who relied on less effective defense mechanisms had more advanced-stage cancer. However, no significant association was found between neurotic defense mechanism styles and clinical stage (r = - 0.12, p = 0.079). This study provides preliminary evidence that defense mechanism styles are associated with disease progression in patients with GI cancer. Mature defense mechanisms may promote slower disease progression, while immature defense mechanisms may contribute to more advanced disease stages. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and develop interventions to improve psychological well-being in this patient population.

Comparison of Codependency Characteristics of Individuals with and without Dependent Relatives in Terms of Defense Mechanisms, Family Functionality and Attachment Styles

Objective: This study aimed to identify both the shared and distinct aspects of the codependency characteristics of individuals with (clinical group, n=56) and without dependent relatives (non-clinical group, n=59) by comparing them in terms of personal (defense-mechanisms), domestic (family-functionality), and relational (attachment-styles) contexts.&#x0D; Method: Codependency Assessment Tool (CODAT), Defense Styles Questionnaire 40 (DSQ-40), Family Assessment Device (FAD), and Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ) were used as data collection tools.&#x0D; Results: The clinical group scored statistically significantly higher on CODAT (other focus/self-neglect, low-self-worth, family-of-origin-issues subscales and total), DSQ-40 (immature-defenses subscale), FAD (failure in problem-solving, communication, role-distribution, affective-responsiveness, affective-involvement, general-functioning subscales and total), RSQ (preoccupied-attachment subscale) than the non-clinical group. The non-clinical group scored significantly higher on the mature-defenses subscale than the clinical group. Immature-defenses, failure in problem-solving and preoccupied-attachment predicted codependency in the clinical group whereas in the non-clinical group, immature-defenses and unhealthy-communication were significant predictors of codependency.&#x0D; Conclusion: Codependency characteristics differ among individuals with and without dependent family members. As immature defenses predicted codependency in both groups, the use of this defense mechanism may be a fundamental feature of codependency.

Understanding Adolescent Mental Health in the COVID-19 Era: A Psychodynamic Approach.

This cross-sectional, case-control study aimed to explore the psychodynamic characteristics that influenced adolescents' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personality structure impairments, psychodynamic conflicts, defense styles, and mental health issues were examined using the OPD-Structure- and Conflict-Questionnaires, the Defense Style Questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire in adolescents before (n = 288) and after (n = 451) the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Adolescents with mental health issues exhibited greater impairments in personality structure, more immature defense styles, and higher levels of psychodynamic conflicts both before and after the pandemic onset. Comparisons between pre-pandemic and pandemic samples indicated a lower level of the conflict of taking care of oneself versus being cared for in passive mode among adolescents during the pandemic. In-depth analysis of adolescents with mental health issues from the pandemic group revealed significant associations between personality structure impairments and a maladaptive defense style with somatoform, depressive, anxiety, eating, and alcohol use disorders. The findings provide clinically relevant insights into the psychodynamic factors that contributed to the psychological vulnerability of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. These insights can guide the development of targeted psychodynamic interventions to support adolescents' mental health in similar future crises.

The Complexity of Borderline Personality Disorder: Network Analysis of Personality Factors and Defense Styles in the Context of Borderline Personality Organization.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is known to share characteristics with a variety of personality disorders (PDs) and exhibits diverse patterns of defense mechanisms. To enhance our understanding of BPD, it's crucial to shift our focus from traditional categorical diagnostics to the dimensional traits shared with other PDs, as the borderline personality organization (BPO) model suggests. This approach illuminates the nuanced spectrum of BPD characteristics, offering deeper insights into its complexity. While studies have investigated the comorbidity of BPD with other PDs, research exploring the relationship between various personality factors and defense mechanisms within BPD itself has been scarce. The present study was undertaken to investigate the complex interrelationships between various personality factors and defense styles in individuals diagnosed with BPD. Using a network analysis approach, data from 227 patients diagnosed with BPD were examined using the Defense Style Questionnaire and Personality Disorder Questionnaire-4+ for assessment. Intricate connections were observed between personality factors and defense styles. Significant associations were identified between various personality factors and defense styles, with immature defense styles, such as maladaptive and image-distorting being particularly prominent in BPD in the centrality analysis. The maladaptive defense style had the highest expected influence centrality. Furthermore, the schizotypal, dependent, and narcissistic personality factors demonstrated relatively high centrality within the network. Network analysis can effectively delineate the complexity of various PDs and defense styles. These findings are expected to facilitate a deeper understanding of why BPD exhibits various levels of organization and presents with heterogeneous characteristics, consistent with the perspectives proposed by the BPO.

Change in Defense Mechanisms During a Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Defense mechanisms (DMs) are strategies used by the individuals to protect the ego. Therefore, compulsive behaviors in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be recognized as DMs. We analyzed how DMs changed in a brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for OCD. This was a quasi-experimental study with 92 OCD patients (aged 18-60 years). We used the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview to confirm OCD diagnosis, and we assessed the DMs with the Defense Style Questionnaire at three time points. Through a latent change score modeling, we found that the mature mechanism presented a constant change during the therapy. This mechanism increased in average 0.37 points at each measured moment of CBT, showing a linear trajectory. Neurotic and immature mechanisms showed no significant changes during therapy. The increased use of the mature mechanism can be an indicator of improvement in OCD treatment, showing that patients intensified their more adaptive responses to conflicts.

A Study on the Impact of Ego Defense Mechanisms on the Formation of Close Relationships in Young Adults

A Study on the Impact of Ego Defense Mechanisms on the Formation of Close Relationships in Young Adults

Associations between Personality Structure, Psychodynamic Conflicts and Defense Styles in Adolescents with Mental Health Problems

An exploration of the interrelationships between central psychodynamic constructs in adolescents with mental health problems was conducted. 230 adolescents (Mage=18.0±1.9) were assessed using the Structure and the Conflict Questionnaire of the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis System in Childhood and Adolescence and the Defense Style Questionnaire for Adolescents. Controlling for the influence of gender, age, and socioeconomic status, low to moderate associations were revealed between increased psychodynamic conflict levels and immature defense styles (r=0.20 to 0.39, p<0.05 to 0.001) as wells as deficits in the personality structure and increased psychodynamic conflict levels (r=0.15 to 0.55, p<0.05 to p<0.001) or immature defense styles (r=0.30 to 0.69, p<0.001). Psychodynamic conflicts as well as defense styles could be predicted by the structural dimensions as well as age and sex (R2=0 .04 to 0.49, p<0.05 to 0.001). Theory-compliant correlations were demonstrated. The findings are particularly relevant against the background of the revision of the classification of personality functioning (ICD-11) in childhood and adolescence.

Mental Health Burden and Facilitators Among Frontline Healthcare Professionals in Nigeria Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the frontline healthcare providers faced significant mental health stressors. Previous pandemics have revealed the need for psychosocial support and healthy coping mechanisms to mitigate mental health risks. The study aimed to assess psychological impact and supportive mechanisms experienced by frontline healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients in Kaduna State. This study involved 38 frontline healthcare providers mainly from Kaduna State Infectious Disease Treatment Center. Participants' mental health burden was captured through Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Mental health facilitators were assessed through six tools: Ten-Item Values Inventory, healthy defense section of the Defense Style Questionnaire, Existential Anxiety Questionnaire, Brief Resilience Scale, Oslo Social Support Scale, and the Insomnia Severity Index. The mean age of the study participants was 35.5 ± 6.6 years, with the majority being males (68.4%) and doctors (39.5%). More than a quarter of the participants showed appreciable symptoms of depression and anxiety. Psychosocial facilitators such as moral values, openness to change, self-transcendence, sublimation, anticipation, and humor scored above average for more than half of the participants. Most participants demonstrated moderate resilience and social support, with few experiencing sleep challenges. Comparisons of variables indicated "openness to change" was significantly higher among males, whereas symptoms of depression and anxiety were associated with higher levels of existential concerns and sleep challenges. Our study finds that Nigerian frontline health workers experienced significant mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. It identified specific facilitators linked to gender and psychological burdens, informing the need for tailored support interventions.

Exploring ego defense mechanisms in preclinical dentistry students: a cross-sectional analysis

Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological operations that function to protect a person from anxiety-producing thoughts and feelings that mediate the individual's reaction to emotional internal conflicts and to external stressors. Challenging academic curriculum in dentistry can result in elevated levels of stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, suicidal intent, and other mental health issues. The aim of the current investigation was therefore to examine the prevalence and type of defense styles used by dental students as well as to analyze associations of these defenses with some demographic and academic factors. The study was based on a cross-sectional design and used convenience sampling to recruit a total of 125 preclinical dentistry students. Defensive functioning was measured by using the Defense Style Questionnaire – modified form (DSQ-20). The results showed that according to their mean scores, the most employed EDM was sublimation, followed by rationalization and idealization. Two conceptual patterns of defenses (mature and immature) tend to co-occur in males as well as in general, men endorsed psychological defenses to a higher degree than did women. There were no significant associations with students’ age and year of study. Contrary to previous reports, a significant negative correlation between academic performance and mature defense styles was found. Proper implementation of defenses might contribute to reducing symptoms of maladaptive behavior, ensuring a better psychological well-being, and increasing quality of life. Considering educational environment, this might facilitate better outcomes in academic field and subsequently, better professional realization of future dentists.

Intervening Effect of Maladaptive Personality on the Relationship Between Defense Styles and Psychiatric Symptoms Among Prisoners.

Prison settings are stress-inducing environments that make individuals more vulnerable to psychopathology. Defense styles and personality traits have long been associated with psychopathology. The current study aimed to explain the intervening role of maladaptive personality domains on the relationship between defense styles and psychiatric symptoms among male convicts imprisoned in nine Central Jails of Punjab, Pakistan. Through cross-sectional design, data was collected through purposive sampling. 509 respondents (who were serving their sentence for the crime committed) with a Mean age of 35 years (10.21) provided data on self-reported translated versions of the Cross-Cutting Symptoms Measure, Personality Inventory for DSM 5 - Adult version (Short Form), and Defense Style Questionnaire. Findings of the mediation analysis showed that negative affectivity, disinhibition, and psychoticism mediated the relationship between immature defense style and psychiatric symptoms whereas moderation analysis showed a significant interactional effect of antagonism with mature and neurotic defense style on psychiatric symptoms exclusively. Findings have highlighted that defense styles and certain personality domains intervene to have a combined indirect effect on psychiatric symptoms. The study also contributes to the literature by specifying the interactional effect of antagonism and mature defense style on predicting psychiatric symptoms.

Problematic Social Media Use in Young Adults: A Mixed Serial-Parallel Mediation Model Involving Alexithymia, Defense Mechanisms, and Fear of Missing Out.

Problematic social media use (PSMU) can have profound and detrimental effects across various domains of life. As a result, scientific investigations into the risk factors associated with this phenomenon can hold substantial practical implications within the clinical and preventive realms. Consistently with this framework, this study aimed to examine the relationship between certain variables and PSMU, with a specific focus on alexithymia, defense mechanisms, and fear of missing out (FoMO). A sample of 340 young adults (Mage = 26.42 years; SD = 3.689) completed an online survey, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, FoMO scale, 40-Item Defense Style Questionnaire, and 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Results showed a statistically significant mixed serial-parallel mediation model. A significant total effect in the association between alexithymia and FoMO emerged. Furthermore, defense mechanisms and FoMO significantly and totally mediated this relationship. These findings have the potential to provide valuable insights in the field of clinical research on PSMU, and can offer practical information for enhancing clinical practice.

Immature defense mechanisms mediate the relationship between negative life events and depressive symptoms.

This study aimed to analyze the patterns of life events (LEs) and defense mechanisms in outpatients with depression and investigate the mediating role of defense mechanisms in the association between LEs and depressive symptoms in a psychosomatic outpatient sample in China. All of 2,747 outpatients (aged 18-65) from psychosomatic department were investigated in this study. LEs, depressive symptoms, and defense mechanisms were assessed by the Life Events Scale (LES), Patient-Health-Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), respectively. Based on the optimal cut-off point of PHQ-9, 1840 (67.0%) patients had a PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher (depression group), and 907 (33.0%) had a score below 10 (non-depression group). The scores of Negative Life Events (NLEs), immature and intermediate defense mechanisms in the depression group were significantly higher than those in the non-depression group, while the scores of mature defense mechanisms were the opposite (p < 0.001). NLEs was directly related to depressive symptoms (b = 0.010, p < 0.001), and significant indirect effect via immature defense mechanisms (b = 0.008, p < 0.001) was observed. Immature defense mechanisms play an important mediating role in the relationship between NLEs and depressive symptoms. Helping patients improving defense mechanisms and dealing with NLEs may be of great help in the treatment of relevant patients.