What is the difference between defense mechanism and coping mechanism

Pathology probably does not originate from the actual use of defense mechanisms; it is caused by a continuous reliance on defenses, instead of actually attempting to solve the core problems that cause their necessity in the first place. Cramer, P. Coping and defense mechanism: what is the difference? Journal of Personality, 66, 6, Defense mechanism in psychology today. American Psychologist , 6, Seven Pillars of defense mechanism theory.

Social and Personality Psychology Compass , , 2, Fine, R. Troubled men: The psychology, emotional, conflicts and therapy of men. San-Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers. Hentschel, U. Defense mechanisms.

Theoretical, research and clinical perspectives. Amsterdam: Elsevier. Miceli, M. Further distinctions between coping and defense mechanism.

Journal of Personality , 69, Watson, D. Predicting psychiatric symptomatology with the Defense Style Questionnaire International Journal of Stress Management, 9, Nicholas Jenner said:. February 29, at pm. Sharon Galor said:. March 2, at am. Thanks again. Providing psychological information to others in an open, approachable, user-friendly manner is the reason I started this blog.

I am glad that it comes over that way too. Donna Fedor said:. Also, the implication of competence-related aspects of functioning coping and of internal determinants of functioning defence is discussed.

Conclusions: Implications for research perspectives implying defence and coping concepts based on observer-rating methodology are proposed. These were all generally positive pursuits, relating to my family activities, my business and my gardens.

Despite appearances to the contrary, I was often unconsciously going through the motions that had become familiar to me which inhibited any progress that I was making. Reflections On Vietnam. People who use this defense mechanism recognize how they feel, but they choose to behave in the opposite manner of their instincts. A person who reacts this way, for example, may feel they should not express negative emotions, such as anger or frustration.

They choose to instead react in an overly positive way. Separating your life into independent sectors may feel like a way to protect many elements of it.

For example, when you choose to not discuss personal life issues at work, you block off, or compartmentalize, that element of your life. You may see this strategy in use when a person who is let go from a job choose to spend their days creating spreadsheets of job opportunities and leads.

Defense mechanisms can be viewed as a type of self-deception. Indeed, you can transform unhealthy defense mechanisms into ones that are more sustainable. These techniques could help:. Even in the long term, they may not be particularly detrimental to your emotional or mental health.

Other defense mechanisms, however, are not so mature. Prolonged use of them can lead to lingering problems. In fact, they may prevent you from ever facing emotional issues or anxieties.

In time, this could crop up in unexpected ways. For example, defense mechanisms may make forming relationships more difficult. They can also contribute to some mental health issues. If you find yourself feeling depressed or sad, unable to get out of bed, or avoiding the usual daily activities of your life or things and people that once made you happy, consider talking to a mental health professional.

These are also signs of depression, and therapy can help. Through therapy like psychoanalysis or counseling, you can become more aware of the defense mechanisms you use most often, and you can even work to shift the responses you use from immature or less productive to ones that are more mature, sustainable, and beneficial.