Theory in Psychoanalysis: Defense Mechanism by Sigmund Freud

Unit 4 Discussion
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Unit 4 Discussion
One of the main theories in psychoanalysis is the defense mechanism advanced by Sigmund Freud. According to Spielman et al. (2020), when particular feelings, events, or yearnings make an individual anxious, the individual may seek to reduce the anxiety. As such, the person's unconscious mind utilizes ego defense mechanisms to lessen anxiety (Perrotta, 2020). The ego usually turns to unconscious strivings to prevent it from being overwhelmed by anxiety (Spielman et al., 2020). As Spielman et al. (2020) informed, the major defense mechanisms people employ include displacement, denial, projection, regression, sublimation, repression, rationalization, and reaction formation.