One of the topics that I personally found really interesting was the part of the personality chapter that talked about defense mechanisms. Whenever I interact with others, I always end up observing their behavior, especially when they get angry or upset. I find the subject of defense mechanisms extremely applicable to everyone, and is something everyone can relate to. Freud describes a defense mechanism as an unconscious maneuver intended to minimize anxiety. He believed that defense mechanisms are essential for psychological health and that anyone who lacks them would be at the mercy of uncontrollable anxiety. I do believe his statement to some extent, because we utilize our defense mechanisms in uncomfortable situations where we may feel mentally or emotionally threatened.
Some of the most common mechanisms that we're all familiar with are repression, denial and regression. Sometimes after a particular traumatic event, our brains end up forgetting the event because it was emotionally threatening. We would be completely unable to recall the event again afterwards unless we undergo psychoanalysis. Denial is the refusal to admit the truth. This is also seen after a traumatic event, such as a death, where a person may refuse to recognize that the person is gone. The last is regression where a person would retune psychologically to a younger and safer time. This explains hugging stuffed animals at an older age when you're distressed to remind you of when you were younger. It is really interesting to see all the tools you're given to cope with emotionally and mentally stressful events.
My defenses are impenetrable
I think that defense mechanisms are much easier to see in other people than in yourself. I don't recall using any defense mechanisms lately, other than rationalization. Sometimes i'll rationalize putting off homework. However, I can see other people using defense mechanisms whether it be in an argument or taking out frustration on objects!
I like your post! Defense mechanisms are so interesting and so useful to have an understanding of. It is great to know when we are toiling with a problem and if we are able to catch ourselves "rationalizing" or "projecting" our actions or emotions then we can understand better what the problem is. I am interested in whether or not these mechanisms really help lower anxiety or if they just postpone it. How much should we really defend ourselves though? These are purely emotional-it really doesn't seem like other animals defend themselves psychologically. It is interesting to ponder where defense mechanisms come from.