Immature Defensive Mechanisms

Here are the most common immature defensive mechanisms.


1. Acting out

2. Fantasy
Retreating into fantasy in order to sort out inner or outer conflicts.

3. Wishful Thinking
Making a decision based on what may be pleasant to imagine regardless of actual practicality.

4. Idealization
Perceiving another individual as flawless, or as having more positive qualities than is actually the case.

5. Passive Agression

6. Projection

7. Somatization
Transformation of negative feelings toward others into negative feelings toward oneself.


These mechanisms are often used to reduce stress or anxiety caused by the perception of other people as threatening. These defenses are often seen in depression disorders and personality disorders.


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