University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Types of defense mechanisms include: 
Denial
- Isolation
- Repression
- Reaction Formation
- Regression
- Projection
- Displacement

- Avoidance
- Undoing
- Introjection
- Suppression
- Compensation
- Identification

- Splitting
- Conversion
- Dissociation

- Humor
- Sublimation

Types of Defense Mechanisms

Repression is a type of defense mechanism that aims to suppress, or keep down, any memories or thoughts that are perceived to be painful. 

Repression

Reaction formation is a type of defense mechanism that is characterized by an individual expressing beliefs or feelings that are contrary to their actual beliefs or feelings. 

Reaction Formation

Regression is a type of defense mechanism that is characterized by an individual behaving in a way that's not age-appropriate. More specifically, they will act a lot younger than their actual age. 

Regression

Projection is a type of defense mechanism that is characterized by an individual not acknowledging their own feelings and instead, pushes those onto another individual. 

Projection

Rationalization is a type of defense mechanism that is characterized by an individual attempting to justify, or rationalize, their behavior with excuses.

Rationalization

Displacement is a type of defense mechanism that is characterized by an individual redirecting their emotions and behavior to a more acceptable and/or less intimidating individual. 

Displacement 

Sublimation is a type of defense mechanism that is characterized by an individual transforming their socially unacceptable desires into more acceptable behaviors.

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