What it means
A way the mind copes without the person knowing it. Common defense mechanisms are denial (refusing to accept a fact), projection (seeing one's own feelings in someone else), displacement (taking feelings out on a safer target), rationalization (giving a logical-sounding excuse), regression (acting younger than one's age) and repression (pushing a memory out of awareness). Short-term use is normal; heavy or constant use can get in the way of healthy coping.
For the nurse
Notice the defense mechanism without arguing with it, and help the client talk about the feeling behind it. Exam items often ask which mechanism a client's words show.
In a chart
"After a new diagnosis of diabetes, client says, 'The lab made a mistake,' which suggests denial."
At a glance
| Spanish | mecanismo de defensa |
|---|---|
| Also written | defense mechanisms, ego defense mechanism |
Related terms
cognitive behavioral therapy
A talk therapy that helps a person notice unhelpful thoughts and change the thoughts and actions that keep a problem going.
coping mechanism
A thought or action a person uses, on purpose or by habit, to handle stress or difficult feelings.