Defensiveness Research Articles

The Physicalist Worldview as Neurotic Ego-Defense Mechanism

The physicalist worldview is often portrayed as a dispassionate interpretation of reality motivated purely by observable facts. In this article, ideas of both depth and social psychology are used to show that this portrayal may not be accurate. Physicalism—whether it ultimately turns out to be philosophically correct or not—is hypothesized to be partly motivated by the neurotic endeavor to project onto the world attributes that help one avoid confronting unacknowledged aspects of one’s own inner life. Moreover, contrary to what most people assume, physicalism creates an opportunity for the intellectual elites who develop and promote it to maintain a sense of meaning in their own lives through fluid compensation. However, because this compensatory strategy does not apply to a large segment of society, it creates a schism—with corresponding tensions—that may help explain the contemporary conflict between neo-atheism and religious belief.

The Innate Necessity for Survival Through Altruism Might Rescue Us from Needless Glorification of Violence in Our Culture

ABSTRACTThis article addresses the issue of why it is that United States of America glorifies violence and, at the same time, is scared of it, out of proportion to the country’s overwhelming world strength and influence. The article focuses initially on the need to own weapons of mass destruction beyond those needed for sports, including hunting. My psychoanalytic hypothesis suggests that there is a displacement of a fear of being seen by the world as altruistic and, therefore, feminine (castrated and weak); and a hypermasculine defensive façade is often adopted. A history of altruism as reflected in community attitudes is given together with several examples of how altruistic interventions can be very helpful both in schools and in community-wide interventions. The article is the first in a series that will explore altruism as a drive and important in individual analysis beyond its role as an ego defense.

Ego Defense Mechanisms and Types of Object Relations in Adults With ADHD

Objective: This research evaluates the personality structure of adults with ADHD from a psychodynamic perspective. The hypothesis was that possible structural characteristics in personality could be correlated with this syndrome. Method: Assessment tools for ego functions (Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory [BORRTI–Form O], Defense Style Questionnaire ( DSQ-40)) were applied to a sample of 90 adults with ADHD, recruited in a specialized clinic. Results: Among the ADHD sample, 84.4% of the participants were identified as having object relations pathologies. Pathological elevations were observed mainly in the Alienation, Egocentricity, and Insecure Attachment subscales. Statistically, significant differences were found especially in the use of immature and neurotic defense mechanisms, compared with normative data. Conclusion: The findings indicate that adults with ADHD make more use of immature and neurotic defense mechanisms, and presented pathological internalized object relations that are typical of an archaic and poorly structured egoic structure.

Exploring the association of ego defense mechanisms with problematic internet use in a Pakistani medical school

The present study was designed to analyze association between problematic internet use and use of ego defense mechanisms in medical students. This cross-sectional study was undertaken at CMH Lahore Medical College (CMH LMC) in Lahore, Pakistan from 1st March, 2015 to 30th May, 2015. 522 medical and dental students were included in the study. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: a) demographic characteristics of respondent b) the Defense Style Questionnaire-40 (DSQ-40) and c) the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). All data were analyzed in SPSS v20. Chi square, Independent sample t test and One Way ANOVA were run to analyze association of different variables with scores on IAT. Multiple regression analysis was used to delineate ego defenses as predictors of problematic internet use. A total of 32 (6.1%) students reported severe problems with internet usage. Males had higher scores on IAT i.e had more problematic use of internet. Scores on internet addiction test (IAT) were negatively associated with sublimation and positively associated with projection, denial, autistic fantasy, passive aggression and displacement. There was a high prevalence of problematic use of internet among medical and dental students. It had significant associations with several defense mechanisms.

Emotion regulation strategies in adolescents with mitral valve prolapse

IntroductionTwo thirds of adolescents with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) show signs of anxiety disorders. They display difficulty in emotion regulation (Van Der Ham et al., 2003; Scordo, 2007).ObjectiveTo investigate into emotion regulation strategies in MVP adolescents.MethodsA projective study of emotion regulation was undertaken with our modified version of Rosenzweig Picture-Frustration Test (Zinchenko, Pervichko, 2014). Thirty-six adolescents with MVP (mean age was 17.1 ± 0.8 years) and 40 healthy adolescents (mean age was 16.7 ± 0.6 years) took part in the study.ResultsMVP adolescents significantly more frequently (P < 0.001) would mark Rosenzweig's situations as potentially traumatizing. Ego-defence (E-D) and extrapunitive (E) reactions appear to be significantly (P < 0.05) more frequent among MVP adolescents. MVP adolescents are more than healthy subjects prone to avoid open verbal revelations of their thoughts and feelings that emerge in the situation of frustration. Content analysis of responses conditioned by cognitive control (when the task was to taper off arbitrarily the traumatizing effect of the situation) revealed that suppression of emotions was displayed by MVP adolescents in 52% of answers, and for healthy participants - 29% of answers (P < 0.001). Cognitive reappraisal strategy was displayed by MVP adolescents in 27% of answers, and for healthy participants – 38% of answers (P < 0.05). Twenty-one percent of answers of MVP adolescents and 33% of answers of healthy participants suggested cognitive transformation of emotional experience and actualization of new meanings in traumatic situations (P < 0.05).ConclusionsMVP adolescents appear to be more sensitive of frustrations and differ from healthy peers in more frequent use of the strategy of suppression of emotions.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

THE ANNA LEONOWENS' ANXIETIES AND EGO DEFENSE MECHANISMS AS FOUND IN ELIZABETH HAND'S ANNA AND THE KING: A FREUDIAN PSYCHOANALYTICAL APPROACH

All situations which threat individual’s comfort can be assumed or considered creating an anxiety. All conflicts, disappointment and feeling of frustration which obstruct individual’s progress to reach achievement are also considered as source of anxiety. The threat as it is mentioned can be psychological and physical threats, psychological pressure that all can cause anxiety. There are some ways that can be done by individual to cope with his/her anxiety through some ego defense mechanisms.This reserach is intended to find out Anna Leonowen’s anxieties and her ego defense mechanism toward what happens to her during her career as a royal governess in Siam Kingdom. Freudian psycoanalytical approach is chosen in order to explore the main character’s personalities.

Exploring Legitimacy and Authority in the Construction of Truth Regarding Personal Experiences of Drug Use

Objectives: This research explored drug use from the perspectives of individuals who recreationally used one or more substances on a daily basis and had never attended addiction-related counselling or a mutual support group. The purpose of the research was to identify the ways that narrative accounts were discursively structured to enact, confirm, legitimate, reproduce, or challenge the concept of addiction. Methods: The methodology involved a critical analysis of discourse, drawing on personal accounts of drug use that were elicited using discursive narrative strategies. Results: The finding demonstrated that narrative accounts were constructed in relation to dominant discourses in the North American context. Efforts to refute dominant discourses can be viewed as a response to risks associated with self-disclosure of subjugated positions. The findings presented in this paper pertain to the ways in which research participants adopted indirect discursive practices that challenged distinctions between legal, socially sanctioned drug use (namely, medications) and illegal, socially unsanctioned drug use. Drawing in particular discursive strategies, the research participants blur the lines between categorization of drugs and drug-related practices as healthy or unhealthy, moral or immoral, socially acceptable or socially acceptable. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the research participants challenged dominant discourses that position illicit drug use and distribution as being socially unacceptable. Conclusion: This research uncovers discursive practices of power, authority, legitimacy, dominance, and inequality in relation to drug-related policy, research, and education. The findings offer an alternative interpretation to narrative accounts that might otherwise be interpreted as ego defense mechanisms.

Relationship between Emotional Regulation Strategies and Self –reported Ego Defense Styles Among Nursing Interns at Alexandria, Main University Hospital

Relationship between Emotional Regulation Strategies and Self –reported Ego Defense Styles Among Nursing Interns at Alexandria, Main University Hospital

뇌졸중 환자의 자아방어기제에 따른 스트레스와 일상생활활동 수행능력과의 상관관계

목적 : 본 연구는 뇌졸중 환자를 대상으로 뇌졸중 환자의 자아방어기제와 스트레스 및 일상생활활동 수행능력과의 상 관관계에 대해 알아보고자 한다. 연구방법 : 2014년 3월 14일부터 2014년 5월 15일까지 대구·부산 지역 내에 위치한 1개의 대학병원과 3개의 재활전문병 원에 설문조사를 실시하여 빈도분석과 독립 표본 t검정, 피어슨 상관계수를 하였다. 결과 : 연구 대상자의 자아방어기제 유형에 따른 스트레스와 일상생활활동 수행능력을 분석한 결과 미성숙한 자아방어 기제 집단이 성숙한 자아방어기제 집단보다 스트레스를 많이 받는 것으로 나타났으며(p<.05), 성숙한 자아방어기제 집단이 미성숙한 자아방어기제 집단보다 일상생활활동 수행능력이 높은 것으로 나타났다(p<.05). 결론 : 뇌졸중 환자의 스트레스가 높을수록 일상생활활동 수행능력이 낮은 것을 알 수 있었다. 뇌졸중 환자의 재활에 있어서 개인의 성격이나 생활양식에 중요한 영향을 미치는 자아방어기제를 적절히 사용함으로써 뇌졸중 환자의 신 체적 기능뿐 아니라 스트레스와 같은 심리 사회적 요소에 대한 재활도 가능할 것으로 생각된다.

Helping Children Overcome Shyness

Children are affected by shyness in different ways. Some kids will not answer the phone while others will not make calls. Spontaneous encounters can be particularly difficult since it requires the child to respond quickly and without preparation. Playing within a group are typically more troublesome than one-to-one pairings. These circumstances shape the barriers that your child’s “shyness signature” builds around their life. Denial and defensiveness are also often part of that signature.

Association of Ego Defense Mechanisms with Academic Performance, Anxiety and Depression in Medical Students: A Mixed Methods Study.

Background: Ego defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological processes that help an individual to prevent anxiety when exposed to a stressful situation. These mechanisms are important in psychiatric practice to assess an individual’s personality dynamics, psychopathologies, and modes of coping with stressful situations, and hence, to design appropriate individualized treatment. Our study delineates the relationship of ego defense mechanisms with anxiety, depression, and academic performance of Pakistani medical students.Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at CMH Lahore Medical College and Fatima Memorial Hospital Medical and Dental College, both in Lahore, Pakistan, from December 1, 2014 to January 15, 2015. Convenience sampling was used and only students who agreed to take part in this study were included. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: 1) Demographics, documenting demographic data and academic scores on participants’ most recent exams; 2) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); and 3) Defense Style Questionnaire-40 (DSQ-40). The data were analyzed with SPSS v. 20. Mean scores and frequencies were calculated for demographic variables and ego defense mechanisms. Bivariate correlations, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression were used to identify associations between academic scores, demographics, ego defense mechanisms, anxiety, and depression.Results: A total of 409 medical students participated, of whom 286 (70%) were females and 123 (30%) were males. Mean percentage score on the most recent exams was 75.6% in medical students. Bivariate correlation revealed a direct association between mature and neurotic ego defense mechanisms and academic performance, and an indirect association between immature mechanisms and academic performance. One-way ANOVA showed that moderate levels of anxiety (P < .05) and low levels of depression (P < .05) were associated with higher academic performance.Conclusion: There was a significant association between academic performance and ego defense mechanisms, anxiety, and depression levels in our sample of Pakistani medical students.

The physician’s quality of life: Relationship with ego defense mechanisms and object relations

ObjectiveTo assess whether ego defense mechanisms and object relations (the way an individual subjectively experiences his/her relationships with others) are related to quality of life among physicians. MethodsIn this cross-sectional mail survey, 602 physicians from Botucatu, SP, Brazil, were sent a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory-Form O (BORRTI-O), the Defense Style Questionnaire-40 (DSQ-40), and the World Health Organization Abbreviated Instrument for Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF). Results198 questionnaires (33%) with valid responses were obtained. High BORRTI-O scores (indicative of pathology) on the alienation, egocentricity and insecure attachment subscales were associated with reduced WHOQOL-BREF scores for the psychological health and social relationship domains. Immature ego defense mechanisms were associated with lower WHOQOL-BREF scores for all domains. No significant associations of WHOQOL-BREF scores with working hours, workplace or monthly income were observed in the study population ConclusionsWHOQOL-BREF scores correlated with mature defense mechanisms and normal object relations, suggesting an association between psychological maturity and quality of life among physicians.

GAMBARAN PSIKOLOGIS INDIVIDU DENGAN KECENDERUNGAN KLEPTOMANIA

Abstract Kleptomania is the inability to refrain from the urge to steal items and is done for reasons other than personal use or financial gain. Alternatively, some of the main characteristics of the disorder, which consist of recurring intrusion feelings, an inability to resist the urge to steal, and a release of pressure following the theft, suggest that kleptomania could be an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder. Persons diagnosed with kleptomania usually gain satisfaction after his stolen activity was done. This study is a qualitative-phenomenological study. Two men involved in the study; both subjects had been encountered an impulse disorder for years. The results showed that both subjects made plans before they stole things. They had an ego defense mechanism against kleptomania impulse that emerged when there are external and internal factors that weaken their wishes. Subject who has a good ego defense mechanism, have a strong will to recover; however, subject who has a weak ego defense mechanism will have a weak will to recover.

A Freudian Reading of Samuel Richardson's Pamela

Richardson's Pamela (1740_1) is replete with elements and incidents that make it worthy enough to be viewed from Freud's perspective. The present study focuses upon how Richardson's characters unconsciously attempt to conceal and repress their own conflicting emotions, thoughts, wishes, impulses and how they struggle against their anxiety-ridden situations to regain their psychic balance. Moreover, the repetition of certain occurrences and elements play a crucial role in generating the uncanny effect in Pamela, including the role of double and deja-vu, the castle-like settings, heroine's intimidating situations and also her master's past secret. In addition, the way Richardson's characters dress for the noteworthy masquerade ball scene and the ambiguous words of Pamela's master are considerably implies something that is affiliated with characters' psyche according to Freud's condensation theory. With regard to Freud's concepts of The 'Tripartite Psyche', 'Anxiety and Ego Defense Mechanisms' and 'Uncanny' the researcher attempts to delve into the heroine and her master's psyche through her letters which reveal the contents of the heroine's unconscious mind.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE: QUALITATIVE STUDY OF ADOLESCENT FEMALES’ LIVED EXPERIENCE

Background. Different aspects of adolescent suicidal behaviour are explored, however, they are interpreted in terms suitable mostly for adult suicidal behaviour. Knowledge on adolescent suicidality is far from comprehensive. Aims . To describe the lived experience of attempted suicide among young females and to unfold distinctiveness of such experience. Method . Three adolescent females aged 13 to 17, who attempted suicide within one year period while not in the state of psychosis, took part in the study. Research was conducted using interpretative phenomenological analysis – a qualitative research method which aims to explore both experience of a person and one’s trying to make sense of it. Data was collected during semi-structured interviews which allowed setting a closer contact with respondents. Results. Data analysis showed that though a fair amount of attempted suicide experiences of adolescent females is similar to those of adults, there are some distinct features: sense of overwhelming experience and amassing bothers, liveliness of past experiences in the present, great lack of support in close relationships, difficulties reflecting and controlling emotions and thoughts. Conclusions. These results support the huge importance of appropriate responses of the surrounding people and mental health care professionals to the state of suicidal adolescent female. Also, it is necessary to teach adolescent females to effectively manage their emotions and impulses, and to develop mature ego defense mechanisms. Further research could contribute to the creation of guidelines to such behaviour or training and a deeper understanding of the psychological state of suicidal adolescents.

Defence styles in a sample of forensic patients with personality disorder.

Ego defences, often considered central to clinical work, have received surprisingly little attention in the forensic literature. In this exploratory study, 114 male inpatients completed the Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ) following their admission to a specialist personality disorder (PD) service. Change in DSQ scores over time was examined using mixed effects models for those (n = 48) remaining in treatment for at least 18 months. Defensive functioning at baseline was less mature in comparison with non-clinical norms, with two other non-forensic PD samples, and with a male paedophile sample, but was unrelated to criminal history. Axis II severity was negatively associated with overall defensive functioning (ODF). Antisocial PD was positively associated with a maladaptive defence style. Borderline PD was negatively associated with self-sacrificing defences. Avoidant PD was negatively associated with both self-sacrificing and adaptive styles. Non-completion of treatment was predicted by low ODF scores and high maladaptive defence style scores at baseline. ODF improved significantly over time in treatment and was predicted by strong antisocial and weak schizotypal PD pathologies. Defence style, as measured by the DSQ, appears to have the potential to inform assessment and measure change in this group of offenders.

Ego Defense Mechanisms in Patients with “Hypertension at Work” and Patients with Essential Hypertension: A Comparative Analysis

The purpose of the study was to perform a comparative analysis of ego defence mechanisms in patients with “hypertension (HTN) at work”, on the one hand, and in patients with essential arterial HTN, on the other. We examined 85 people with HTN at work, and 85 patients with essential HTN. It was shown that emotional processes of the examined patients with HTN is distinctively characterized by predominance of negative experience, which can be projected, denied or repressed by patients.The group of patients with HTN at work are characterized by a wider range of defence mechanisms, predominant use of neurotic level mechanisms, and a more developed ability for reflection upon their feelings.

An Analysis on Ego Defense Mechanisms of Visual Creative Expression Used on Election Posters: Focusing on Election Posters of the 18th Korean Presidential Election

An Analysis on Ego Defense Mechanisms of Visual Creative Expression Used on Election Posters: Focusing on Election Posters of the 18th Korean Presidential Election

A model of organisational dysfunction in the NHS

This paper explores the reasons for the sometimes seemingly irrational and dysfunctional organisational behaviour within the NHS. It seeks to provide possible answers to the persistent historical problem of intimidating and negative behaviour between staff, and the sometimes inadequate organisational responses. The aim is to develop a model to explain and increase understanding of such behaviour in the NHS. This paper is conceptual in nature based upon a systematic literature review. The concepts of organisational silence, normalised organisational corruption, and protection of image, provide some possible answers for these dysfunctional responses, as does the theory of selective moral disengagement. The NHS exhibits too high a level of collective ego defences and protection of its image and self-esteem, which distorts its ability to address problems and to learn. Organisations and the individuals within them can hide and retreat from reality and exhibit denial; there is a resistance to voice and to "knowing". The persistence and tolerance of negative behaviour is a corruption and is not healthy or desirable. Organisations need to embrace the identity of a listening and learning organisation; a "wise" organisation. The "Elephant in the room" of persistent negative behaviour has to be acknowledged; the silence must be broken. There is a need for cultures of "respect", exhibiting "intelligent kindness". A model has been developed to increase understanding of dysfunctional organisational behaviour in the NHS primarily for leaders/managers of health services, health service regulators and health researchers/academics. Research, with ethical approval, is currently being undertaken to test and develop the conceptual model to further reflect the complexities of the NHS culture.

The relationship between attachment styles and alexithymia: Mediating role of defense mechanisms

This study examined the mediating role of ego defense mechanisms on the relationship between attachment styles and alexithymia. Four hundred and forty-three Iranian high school students (213 boys, 230 girls) participated in this study. Participants completed Defense Styles Questionnaire (DSQ-40), Adult Attachment Inventory (AAI), and Farsi version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (FTAS-20). Results showed a significant negative correlation between secure attachment style and alexithymia, while avoidant and ambivalent attachment styles showed significant positive associations with alexithymia. Regression analysis indicated that defense mechanisms have a mediating role between attachment styles and alexithymia. It can be concluded that a mediation role of ego defense mechanisms on the relationship between attachment styles and alexithymia was partial.