The Four Types Of Defense Mechanisms

How do you respond to anxiety-inducing situations or people? Do you go into denial? Do you project your issues onto someone else? Do you use humor as a way to cope?

We all have ways of dealing with situations and people that we don’t like, some healthy and some not. The strategies for coping with the anxious thoughts and feelings resulting from these situations are called defense mechanisms. Defense mechanisms are often unconscious responses and can tell a lot about how well we handle the stressors in our lives. 

Though defense mechanisms may conjure up a negative connotation, they are not inherently bad. Instead, defense mechanisms are simply strategies that we use to protect ourselves from stressful situations. 

Though there are many theories and writings on defense mechanisms, this article will focus on the work and categorization method of American psychologist George Vaillant. He organized all defense mechanisms into four tiers based on how well these mechanisms help a person adapt to life. The four categories of defense mechanisms are pathological, immature, neurotic, and mature. 

Now that you understand the basics of defense mechanisms, let’s delve more into each category and what they say about how a person copes with an unwanted reality. 

Pathological Defense Mechanisms

A person uses pathological defense mechanisms when they cannot cope with the reality in front of them. They use these defense mechanisms to rearrange their experiences in their mind so they can redefine reality as they wish to see it. These defenses are very common in people living with severe psychological disorders or psychosis. 

The three main types of pathological defense mechanisms are:

• Denial

• Delusional projection

• Distortion

However, don’t fret if you have used these defense mechanisms in the past. We have all been in denial at one point or another, and who hasn’t projected their issues onto another person? 

The issue occurs when these defense mechanisms are the primary ways of coping. People who depend on these defense mechanisms have difficulty facing reality, so they alter reality in their mind to fit their needs. 

Immature Defense Mechanisms

Immature defense mechanisms are better than pathological ones but are still socially undesirable if used often. In these situations, although the person is not rearranging reality in their minds to fit their narrative, they still have a tough time coping with reality. Most of these defense mechanisms involve lashing out at the situation or people involved.

Though immature defense mechanisms are most often found in teens and adolescents, they do also show up in some adults. These defense mechanisms are very common in people who live with depression, personality disorders, and other psychological conditions. 

Those who rely on immature defense mechanisms have trouble with self-awareness of their emotions and thoughts. 

Common immature defense mechanisms include: 

• Acting out

• Hypochondriasis

• Passive-aggressive behavior

• Projection

• Schizoid fantasy

Neurotic Defense Mechanisms

Neurotic defense mechanisms are some of the more common defense mechanisms found in adults. However, this does not mean they are necessarily healthy. In fact, although they may help with the stressful situation in the short term, they often are harmful to relationships and other aspects of life in the long term. 

The common defense mechanisms in this category include: 

• Displacement

• Dissociation

• Intellectualization

• Reaction formation

• Repression

Mature Defense Mechanisms

Unlike the other categories, mature defense mechanisms are healthy ways to respond to stressors that do not harm or negatively affect others. These mechanisms require more conscious work and mindfulness to be successful. People who use these defense mechanisms accept reality as it is, even if it is not to their liking. These defense mechanisms are the most common ones found in healthy and mature adults. 

Common mature defense mechanisms include: 

• Altruism

• Anticipation

• Humor

• Sublimation

• Suppression

Conclusion

As a reminder, defense mechanisms are not inherently bad. However, we should all strive to cope with reality the best we can without harming others or ourselves in the process. 

If you’ve identified with any of the more harmful defense mechanisms and want to change your behavior, then there are plenty of resources and tools to help you. Self-awareness and mindfulness are keys to improving how you cope with reality, so inner reflection is necessary. 

Furthermore, working with a counselor can also do wonders as you can learn more about why you use certain defense mechanisms and gain tips on helpful strategies to deal with stressful situations.