Defense mechanisms are ways the mind protects itself from anxiety. Exam questions describe a behavior and ask you to name the mechanism.
| Mechanism | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Denial | Refusing to accept reality | "I don't have a drinking problem." |
| Projection | Putting your own feelings onto someone else | An angry client tells the nurse, "You're mad at me." |
| Displacement | Taking feelings out on a safer target | Yelling at a spouse after being criticized at work |
| Rationalization | Making a logical-sounding excuse | "I failed because the test was unfair." |
| Regression | Going back to earlier behavior | A potty-trained 4-year-old wets the bed in the hospital |
| Repression | Unconsciously blocking painful memories | No memory of a traumatic event |
| Suppression | Choosing not to think about something for now | "I'll deal with my test results after my exam." |
| Sublimation | Turning unacceptable urges into acceptable activity | Channeling anger into boxing |
| Reaction formation | Acting the opposite of how you feel | Being overly sweet to a coworker you dislike |
| Intellectualization | Focusing on facts to avoid feelings | Reciting cancer statistics instead of talking about fear |
| Compensation | Making up for a weakness by excelling elsewhere | A student who struggles in sports works to be top of the class |
Memory tip
Repression is unconscious. Suppression is a conscious choice. Both start with the same sound, so remember: you suppress on s purpose.
Practice this in NCLEX Practice
Free with your account. Practice NCLEX-style questions.
Play NCLEX PracticeFree account to start. Every game free for 14 days.
Quick answers
What is the difference between repression and suppression?
Repression is unconscious blocking of painful thoughts or memories. Suppression is a conscious choice to set a thought aside for now.
What is an example of displacement?
Someone criticized by their boss comes home and yells at their spouse.
Evidence & Clinical Sources
- Halter, Varcarolis' Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, Elsevier
Reviewed against current guidelines and drug labels. Always follow your program, a current drug reference, and facility policy. Our sources policy
For learning only. Lab ranges and policies vary. Always follow your nursing program, a current drug reference, and your facility's policies.