Neurotic Defense Style Research Articles

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.

Defense style and psychopathology in oncological patients: a preliminary report.

Previous studies shows that 30-40% of oncological and hematological patients report symptoms of distress compatible with a psychiatric disorder. The use of various and mostly unconscious defense mechanisms is implemented to cope with increased suffering after a cancer diagnosis. In this preliminary report, we explored the presence of defense mechanisms and their associations with psychopathological dimensions in a sample of late-stage cancer patients without history of psychiatric disorders. We recruited 50 patients (28 females, 18-64 years old) with cancer diagnosis without prior history of any substance use disorder or psychiatric disorders. All participants were given the following self-report questionnaires: the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and the 40-item version of the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40). In our study we demonstrated significant psychiatric distress in a third of our patients (defined as SCL-90 ≥2 points). A Pearson correlation analysis on all patients shows that psychotic defense styles were correlated with hostility, obsessive-compulsive, anxiety, somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, and psychoticism, while neurotic defense styles correlated with somatization. Our results are in line with previous findings showing that one third of cancer patients suffers from a psychiatric disorder. Moreover, we found that somatization correlates with both psychotic and neurotic defense mechanism styles. This demonstrates the importance of assessing oncological patients coping mechanisms to achieve best possible treatment.

The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation in the Relationship Between Defense Styles and Psychological Vulnerability Among Emergency Medicine Physicians

Background: Excessive work-related psychological pressures can endanger health by causing physical, mental, and behavioral complications. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of emotion regulation in the relationship between defense styles and psychological vulnerability among emergency medicine physicians. Methods: The statistical population of this descriptive correlational study comprised all emergency medicine physicians working in Tehran hospitals in 2021 - 2022, from whom a sample of 380 was selected using cluster sampling. The research instruments included the symptom checklist-25 (SCL-25), The Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). The data were analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM) in LISREL 8.8. Results: Based on the results, the research model had a good fit (CFI = 0.96, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.058). There was an indirect relationship between the defense styles of emergency medicine physicians and psychological vulnerability, mediated by emotion regulation (P < 0.001). There were direct relationships between defense styles and psychological vulnerability, between emotion regulation and psychological vulnerability, and between defense styles and emotion regulation (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Health professionals and therapists can thus reduce psychological vulnerability among emergency medicine physicians by improving their immature and neurotic defense styles and enhancing their cognitive emotion regulation.

The impact of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on the psychological defense mechanism and weight loss program: A randomized controlled trial among university students during COVID-19 movement control order

This study examined the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in changing the psychological defense mechanism and promoting weight loss among overweight or obese (OW/OB) university students. A sample of 152 OW/OB university students who reported high immature and neurotic defense styles was randomly assigned into ACT, ACT-EX (ACT and structured exercise program), or a control group (CG) for a six-week intervention program. Group × time interactions showed that the BMI and all defense styles improved in the ACT and ACT-EX groups. The BMI was significantly lower in ACT-EX than in ACT, while the within-group effect size was larger in ACT than in ACT-EX for immature and neurotic defense styles. The mature defense style showed a significant improvement albeit with a small effect size in both ACT and ACT-EX. Both ACT interventions were found to be effective in promoting weight loss and improving the psychological defense mechanism, including experiential avoidance.

Investigation of Differences in Early Maladaptive Schemas and Defense Mechanisms in Individuals with Gender Identity Disorder Compared to Normal Individuals

This study aimed to investigate the differences in early maladaptive schemas and defense mechanisms between individuals with gender identity disorder and normal individuals. The research design was causal-comparative. The study population comprised all individuals with gender identity disorder (female to male and male to female) and normal individuals in Shiraz city in the year 2023. Out of the population, 30 individuals with gender identity disorder who attended forensic medicine, psychiatric clinics, and gender change centers in Shiraz, and 30 normal individuals were selected through convenience sampling and studied. Young's Schema Questionnaire (YSQ) and the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) were used for data collection. After data collection and extraction, the participants' scores were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis of variance with the SPSS-24 statistical software. The findings indicated significant differences in early maladaptive schemas (rejection and disconnection, impaired autonomy and performance, other-directedness, overvigilance and inhibition, and impaired limits) between individuals with gender identity disorder and normal individuals (p < .01). The results also showed significant differences in neurotic defense style and immature defense style between individuals with gender identity disorder and normal individuals (p < .01); and a significant difference was found in the mature defense style between the two groups (p < .05). Therefore, by identifying immature defense mechanisms and early maladaptive schemas and measuring their severity in individuals with gender identity disorder, psychological interventions (psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapy) alongside other medical actions can be employed to reduce the severity of these mechanisms and schemas.

Worldviews about the self mediate the impact of immature and mature defense styles on posttraumatic symptoms in bereaved parents

The present study analyzed the mediating role of assumptive worldviews on the effect of defense mechanisms on post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTS) in bereaved parents. Sample included a convenience sample of 153 bereaved parents and a control group of 157 nonbereaved parents. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine our hypotheses. Bereaved parents presented higher levels of PTS and more negative assumptions compared to nonbereaved participants. Worthiness of the self mediated the effect of both immature and mature defense styles on PTS levels, and neurotic defense style directly predicted PTS levels.

Analysis of Childhood Traumas and Defense Styles in Patients With Tension Headache.

Studies indicate that patients tend to develop chronic tension headache as a response to stress. The present study investigated the relationship between headache and the events that caused childhood traumas and defense styles, which could be considered as a significant source of stress in individuals with tension headache. Fifty patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years diagnosed with tension headache were included in the present study. The control group included 50 healthy participants. All study participants completed a sociodemographic data form prepared by the researchers and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Defense Style Questionnaire. Traumatic experiences (emotional abuse, physical abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, and sexual abuse) were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. The total score of immature and neurotic defense styles was higher in the patient group than in the control group (P < .001, P < .001). The mature defense styles total score was significantly higher in the control group than in the patient group (P = .006). A positive correlation was found between the childhood trauma scores and immature and neurotic defense style scores. The findings indicate that traumatic experiences during childhood were more frequent in patients with tension headache compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, these individuals had difficulty coping with stress, and inappropriate defense styles were employed as a response to stress.

The assessment of the relationship between narcissism, perceived parental rearing styles, and defense mechanisms

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the relationships between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, perceived parental rearing styles and defense mechanisms. Besides, it was investigated how grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism scores differ in terms of demographic variables such as gender and age. Method: The study was carried out with 508 participants between the ages of 18-65 determined by the appropriate sampling method. 271 of the participants were female (53.3%), 237 of them were male (46.7%). The data were collected through a battery including Demographic Information Form, Pathological Narcissism Inventory, Narcissistic Personality Inventory-16, Abbreviated Perceived Parental Attitudes Scale-Child Form, Defense Style Questionnaire-40, and Splitting Scale. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that while there was no significant difference in vulnerable narcissism scores between male and female participants, male participants had significantly higher scores in grandiose narcissism. The findings indicate a decrease in both vulnerable and grandiose narcissism as the age of the participants increase. The regression analyses showed that grandiose narcissism scores were predicted by the paternal rejection and the maternal emotional warmth as perceived parental attitudes, and by the immature defense style, splitting defense mechanism, and neurotic defense style as defense styles; vulnerable narcissism scores were predicted by the paternal rejection, maternal overprotection, splitting defense, and all forms of defense. Conclusion: Findings that narcissistic personality may be correlated with some inadequate parental attitudes and more frequent use of defense mechanisms were discussed within the framework of this topic. In addition, the results were elaborated regarding the theoretical framework of narcissism, and how it can be used in clinical practice with narcissistic individuals.

Associations Between Defense Styles, Approaches to Learning, and Achievement Among University Students

The present study explores associations between defense styles, approaches to learning, students’ preferences for different types of courses/teaching and achievement. The psychometric properties of the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40), used for assessing students’ defense styles, are also explored. Participants in this study were undergraduates (N=425) studying in a social science department.The Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) is used for exploring students’ approaches to learning, while Grade Point Average (GPA) measured students’ academic achievement. The study suggests the contribution of defense styles to the Student Learning Research; it reports a mature and an immature learning pattern. Deep and strategic approaches to learning, preferences for classes that support understanding and GPA are associated with a mature defense style, whereas surface approach and preferences for classes that transmit information are associated with immature, image-distorting and neurotic defense styles. Defense styles as well as preferences for different courses appear to act as antecedents of approaches to learning; approaches mediate the effect of defenses and preferences on achievement although defenses have only a small impact. The study also suggests a four factor structure of the DSQ-40 in undergraduates. The findings are discussed in the context of the recent literature.

Do spinal cord-injured individuals with stronger sense of coherence use different psychological defense styles?

Although the importance of sense of coherence (SOC) and psychological defense mechanisms (PDMs) in the process of coping has been demonstrated, it has not yet been clarified whether individuals with stronger SOC use specific PDMs. Demographic and injury-related variables including injury level, time since injury, American Spinal Cord Association (ASIA) Scale and Spinal cord independence measure-III were collected among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). SOC was assessed by the Short-form Sense of Coherence Scale. PDMs were identified using 40-version of the Defense Style Questionnaire. Neurotic defense style was the most commonly used style especially. The overall most commonly used PDM was ‘rationalization’, which was used by 95%. Individuals with stronger SOC used more mature style ( P = 0.001, r = 0.52), particularly ‘humor’ and ‘suppression’ mechanisms (Po0.0001 and 0.024, respectively). There was a negative correlation between stronger SOC and the use of immature defenses including passive aggression ( P = 0.001, r = −0.51), acting out ( P = 0.001, r = −0.48), isolation ( P = 0.009, r = −0.50), autistic fantasy ( P = 0.010, r = −0.30) and somatization (Po0.0001, r = −0.62). Married individuals had significantly stronger SOC ( P = 0.01). Age, gender, age at the time of injury incidence, time since injury, ASIA score and cause of injury were not determinants of SOC. In this study, PDMs, which are more probable to be used by individuals with stronger SOC, have been identified. Mature defenses including ‘humor’ and ‘suppression’ are used by stronger SOC more often, whereas immature mechanisms are less likely to be used.

Investigating the Impact of Past Trauma and Defense Styles on Posttraumatic Stress Following Homicide and Psychiatric Co-morbidity.

To examine the prevalence of PTSD following homicide and investigate the relationship between PTSD from past traumas, defense styles and PTSD following homicide and psychiatric co-morbidity. 167 male homicide perpetrators participated in the study and completed the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, the General Health Questionnaire-28 and the Defense Styles Questionnaire. 45% met the criteria for PTSD following homicide and 55% for no-PTSD. With the number of times for imprisonment adjusted, regression analyses showed that immature defense style was associated with PTSD following homicide with the severity of PTSD from past traumas as a moderator. Neurotic and immature defense styles and PTSD from past trauma were significantly and independently associated with psychiatric co-morbidity. Homicide perpetrators could develop PTSD following homicide. The severity of PTSD from past traumas could affect PTSD following homicide and other psychological problems, and influence the effect of using immature defense against PTSD from homicide. Past trauma, immature and neurotic defense styles had a unique and specific pattern of influence on psychological symptoms, other than trauma symptoms.

High Bdi-21 scores in adolescents without depression are associated with negative self-image, immature and neurotic defense styles and adverse life events

IntroductionStructured self-reports, such as Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) are widely used in assessing adolescents’ psychological wellbeing.ObjectivesTo investigate what factors are associated with discrepancies between BDI scores and diagnostic assessment in adolescent psychiatric patients and general population.AimsTo recognize what factors may contribute to high BDI scores besides depressive symptoms.MethodsThe study population consisted of 206 adolescents (13–17 years old) who were hospitalised for the first time in adolescent psychiatry and 203 age and gender matched adolescents recruited from schools in the same region. Study subjects filled self-reports on depression symptoms (BDI-21), substance misuse (AUDIT), psychiatric symptoms (SCL-90), defense styles (DSQ-40) and self-image (OSIQ). Diagnostics was based on K-SADS-PL interview, and/or clinical interview and clinical records when available. Information on background and life events was gathered from study subjects.ResultsWe compared subjects who scored in BDI-21 either 0–15 points or 16–63 points firstly among subjects who did not fill diagnostic criteria for current unipolar depression and secondly among those who did fulfill the diagnostic criteria. High BDI-21 scores in subjects without depression diagnosis were associated with female sex, older age, several adverse life events, higher psychiatric co-morbidity, worse self-image and more immature, neurotic and image-distorting defense styles (and less mature defense style). Low BDI-21 scores among subjects with depression diagnosis were associated with male sex, more positive self-image and less immature defense style.ConclusionsHigh BDI-21 scores may reflect a broad range of challenges in an adolescent's psychological development even in the absence of depression.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Personality and Defense Styles: Clinical Specificities and Predictive Factors of Alcohol Use Disorder in Women

ABSTRACTThis study investigated personality traits and defense styles in order to determine clinical specificities and predictive factors of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in women. A female sample, composed of AUD outpatients (n = 48) and a control group (n = 50), completed a sociodemographic self-report and questionnaires assessing personality traits (BFI), defense mechanisms and defense styles (DSQ-40). Comparative and correlational analyses, as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regressions, were performed. AUD women presented with higher neuroticism and lower extraversion and conscientiousness. They used less mature and more neurotic and immature defense styles than the control group. Concerning personality traits, high neuroticism and lower conscientiousness were predictive of AUD, as well as low mature, high neurotic, and immature defense styles. Including personality traits and defense styles in a logistic model, high neuroticism was the only AUD predictive factor. AUD women presented clinical specificities and predictive factors in personality traits and defense styles that must be taken into account in AUD studies. Implications for specific treatment for women are discussed.

Étude des styles défensifs, des défenses et des stratégies de coping au sein d’une population alcoolodépendante

IntroductionDefense mechanisms have been seen to greatly change over time and across different definitions made by different theoretical currents. Recently with the definition provided by the DSM IV, defense mechanisms have integrated the concept of coping as a defensive factor. These mechanisms are no longer considered just through a psychodynamic approach but also through a cognitive and behavioral one. In recent years, new theories have therefore integrated these two components of the defensive operation. According to Chabrol and Callahan (2013), defense mechanisms precede coping strategies. In individuals with psychopathological disorders, these authors indicate a relative stability of these mechanisms. Also, we asked about the presence of unique characteristics among people with alcohol dependence. Indeed, studies conducted with people with alcohol dependence highlight the presence of a neurotic defense style and some highly immature defenses (projection, acting out, splitting and somatization). In terms of coping strategies, persons with alcohol dependence preferentially use avoidant strategies and strategies focused on emotion. However, although several studies have been conducted to assess coping strategies and defense styles within a population of individuals with an alcohol problem, at the present time none of them has taken into account all these aspects of defense mechanisms. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is therefore to study the defenses and defense styles and coping strategies in an alcohol-dependent population. MethodThis multicenter study (3 CHU, 1 center of supportive care and prevention in addiction and 1 clinic) received a favorable opinion of an Institutional Review Board (IRB Registration #: 00001072). Eighty alcohol-dependent individuals responded to a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics and elements related to the course of consumption. Coping strategies were assessed by means of a questionnaire validated in French: the Brief Cope. The Defense Style Questionnaire-40 translated into French, but not validated, assessed defenses and defense style. Descriptive, comparative and correlational analysis was carried out using Statistica software – version 10. ResultsThe alcohol-dependent people preferentially use emotion focused coping blame and less the problem focused coping humor. The highest immature defense is acting out. Correlational analyses confirm the presence of some significant relationships between defense style and some coping strategies. Thus, the mature style is the only defense style, which is linked with the problem focused strategy humor, and another one coping called distraction. Some singular relationships were found with these two dimensions of coping. Alcohol and drug disengagement show particularly strong relationships with immature defenses such as projection and somatization. Another singular result is indicated by a negative relationship between immature defenses autistic fantasy with the strategy expression of feelings. ConclusionThis study found a significant number of relationships between defensive styles, defenses and coping strategies. This research also highlights the value of an integrative approach of defense mechanisms for the analysis of defensive functioning of people with alcohol dependence. Indeed, the relationships between these elements are consistent and allow understanding the defensive operation as a whole to promote a new adapted means of support.

Early maladaptive schemas, behavioral inhibition/approach systems, and defense styles in the abusers of opiate, stimulant, and cannabis drugs and healthy subjects

The aim of the present study was to study the comparison of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), behavioral inhibition/approach systems (BAS/BIS), and defense styles among the Iranian users of opiate, stimulant, and cannabis drugs and healthy subjects since July 2014 to August 2015. In a cross-sectional comparative design, 962 participants including 762 users of opiate (males = 256, females = 142), stimulant (males = 136, females = 112), and cannabis (males = 84, females = 32) drugs and 200 healthy subjects (males = 112, females = 88) were selected and completed the demographic questionnaire, Young Maladaptive Schemas Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF), Carver and White BIS/BAS scale, and Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40). The results indicated that in EMSs, BIS, BAS-reward responsiveness (BAS-RR), BAS-drive (BAS-D), and defense styles there were significant differences among four groups including opiate, stimulant, and cannabis drugs and healthy subjects. Also, the users of opiate in EMSs, BIS, and immature defense style, the stimulant users in BAS-D, BAS-RR, and neurotic defense style, and the healthy subjects in mature defense style revealed higher means. It is concluded that there were significant differences among the four groups in EMSs, BIS, BAS subscales, as well as maladaptive defense styles.

Early maladaptive schemas, behavioral inhibition/approach systems, and defense styles in the users of natural and synthetic substances and healthy subjects

Factors contributing to abusing various substances may be different. The aim of the present study was to study the comparison of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), behavioral inhibition system (BIS)/behavioral approach system (BAS), and defense styles among Iranian natural and synthetic substance users at the start of their treatment and healthy subjects in Shiraz, Iran, since July 2014 to September 2015. In a cross-sectional comparative design, 1056 participants including 704 users of natural (n = 352) and synthetic (n = 352) substances (meanage = 29) and healthy subjects (n = 352, meanage = 29) were selected and they completed the demographic questionnaire, Young Maladaptive Schemas Questionnaire-Short Form, Carver & White BIS/BAS scale, and Defense Style Questionnaire. Results revealed that there were significant differences between the natural and synthetic substance users with healthy subjects in EMSs, BIS, BAS subscales, and defense styles. Also, the users of natural substances showed higher means in EMSs, BIS, and immature defense style, while the synthetic substance users earned higher scores on BAS subscales and neurotic defense style, and healthy subjects gained higher scores on mature defense style than natural and synthetic substances. We concluded that there were significant differences among two groups in EMSs, BIS, BAS subscales, and defense styles.

The relation of early maladaptive schemas and behavioral inhibition/approach systems to defense styles in abusers of synthetic drug: a cross-sectional study

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and behavioral inhibition/approach systems (BIS/BAS) with defense styles in the abusers of synthetic drug admitted at Niyayesh addiction treatment clinic in the city of Shiraz, Iran. In a cross-sectional design, we examined the relationship between EMSs (via Young Maladaptive Schemas Questionnaire —Short Form “YSQ-SF”) and BIS/BAS (via Carver & White BIS/BAS Scale) to defense styles (via Defense Style Questionnaire “DSQ-40”) for 340 abusers of synthetic drug (male = 53.5%, female = 46.5%). To analyze the relationship between the studied variables, zero-order correlation and multivariate regression were used. Also, sex differences in the means of the responses for each of EMSs, BIS/BAS, and defense styles were analyzed using the independent samples t test.Correlational analyses revealed that all five EMSs were correlated with both neurotic and immature defense styles, and negatively with mature defense style. Also, BIS and all BAS subscales were related to both neurotic and immature and negatively to mature defense style. Finally, there were significant sex differences in BIS, BAS subscales, EMSs, and defense styles. We concluded that EMSs, excessive BIS and BAS subscales, and maladaptive defense styles (e.g., neurotic and immature styles) are important factors in understanding the causes of drug abuse in the abusers of synthetic drug.

Defense Mechanisms in Adolescence as Predictors of Adult Personality Disorders.

Our study examines whether defense styles and separate defenses in depressed adolescent outpatients predict adult personality disorders (PDs). We obtained data from consecutive adolescent outpatients who participated in the Adolescent Depression Study at baseline and at the 8-year follow-up (N = 140). Defense styles were divided into mature, neurotic, image-distorting, and immature and a secondary set of analyses were made with separate defenses as predictors of a PD diagnosis. Neurotic, image-distorting, and immature defense styles in adolescence were associated with adulthood PDs. Neurotic defense style associated with cluster B diagnosis and image-distorting defense style associated with cluster A diagnosis. Separate defenses of displacement, isolation, and reaction formation were independent predictors of adult PD diagnosis even after adjusting for PD diagnosis in adolescence. Defense styles and separate defenses predict later PDs and could be used in the focusing of treatment interventions for adolescents.

Defense styles in Intermittent Explosive Disorder

The overreliance on immature and/or neurotic defense mechanisms, as opposed to more mature defensive functioning has been linked to several psychiatric disorders. However, to date, the role of defense styles among individuals with Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) has not been examined. Given that individuals with IED display difficulties controlling their anger and aggression, one might expect these individuals to exhibit more immature and less mature defense styles. The current study compared participants with IED to a personality disorder (PD) comparison group, as well as to healthy volunteers (HV) on the Defense Style Questionnaire, a self-report measure that assesses the extent to which individuals endorse using mature, immature, and neurotic defense styles. Subjects with IED had significantly higher scores than both comparison groups on immature defense styles and exhibited lower scores on mature defense mechanisms. Hierarchical regression of significant defense style subscales showed that higher levels of acting out and lower levels of sublimation uniquely discriminated participants with IED from the PD and HV comparison groups.

Early maladaptive schemas, behavioral inhibition system, behavioral approach system, and defense styles in natural drug abusers

Abstract Introduction The early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), behavioral inhibition system (BIS), and behavioral approach system (BAS) can play a role in using defense styles, especially in drug abuse which may be a maladaptive defense style. Aim The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between EMS and BIS/BAS with defense styles in the Iranian abusers of natural drug. Material and methods In a cross-sectional design, we examined 316 abusers of natural drug (including abusers of opium and opium sap, henbane and marijuana) admitted at Niyayesh addiction treatment clinic in the city of Shiraz, Iran (male – 61.4%, female – 38.6%). Results and discussion Correlational analyses revealed that EMSs were correlated positively with both neurotic and immature defense styles, and negatively with mature defense style. Also, BIS and all BAS subscales were related to both neurotic and immature defense styles, and each of BAS subscales was negatively associated with mature defense style. Finally, there were significant sex differences in EMSs, BIS, BAS subscales, and defense styles. Conclusions We concluded that the EMSs, excess BIS and BAS subscales are important variables in using maladaptive defense styles and subsequently in tending toward natural drug abuse in the abusers of natural drug.