Social Defences

Social defence mechanisms

The point of defence mechanisms, individual and in groups, is to provide us with illusions of certainty and safety that protect us from being overwhelmed by anxiety, terror and helplessness. The fundamental problem with these defence mechanisms is that they often keep us from taking constructive action that would eliminate the sources of the stress or threat.

Defence mechanisms include:

• Depersonalisation: Depersonalisation involves a disconnection from oneself, where individuals may feel detached from their own thoughts, emotions, and identity. It often serves as a defence mechanism against overwhelming stress or trauma, creating a sense of emotional distance to cope with challenging experiences. This dissociative response can lead to a feeling of observing oneself from a distance, as if one is an outside observer to their own life.
• Denial: Denial is a psychological defence mechanism where individuals consciously or unconsciously refuse to accept the reality of a situation or an aspect of themselves. It acts as a protective shield against distressing thoughts or emotions. Denial can hinder personal growth and problem-solving, as it keeps individuals from confronting and addressing the challenges they face.
• Detachment: Detachment involves a deliberate emotional and psychological separation from people, situations, or emotions. It is a coping strategy that may be employed to shield oneself from potential hurt or disappointment. While detachment can provide temporary relief, it often impedes the development of meaningful connections and may contribute to a sense of isolation.
• Denial of Feelings: This defence mechanism involves suppressing or negating one’s emotional responses to challenging situations. Individuals may deny or downplay their emotional experiences as a means of self-protection. While this can offer immediate relief, over time, it may lead to emotional numbness and hinder the ability to process and cope with emotions in a healthy manner.
• Ritualised Talk Performance: Ritualised talk performance refers to the repetitive and scripted expression of thoughts or emotions, often without genuine engagement or understanding. This behaviour can serve as a way to maintain a facade of normalcy or control in the face of internal turmoil. It may be a mechanism to avoid addressing deeper issues by sticking to rehearsed and safe conversational patterns.
• Redistribution of Responsibility and Irresponsibility: This defence mechanism involves shifting responsibility away from oneself, often onto others or external factors. It may manifest as blaming others for one’s own actions or avoiding accountability. Conversely, individuals may also redistribute irresponsibility by not taking charge of their own lives, allowing external circumstances to dictate their choices.
• Idealisation: Idealisation involves viewing oneself, others, or situations in an excessively positive or negative light. It is a cognitive distortion that can serve as a defence against the complexities and uncertainties of reality. Idealising oneself or others may provide a temporary sense of security but can lead to disillusionment when faced with the inevitable imperfections of individuals and situations.
• Avoidance of Change: Avoidance of change is a defensive response to the fear of the unknown or the potential discomfort associated with transitions. Individuals may resist change as a way to maintain a sense of control and predictability in their lives. While this avoidance can provide a temporary sense of security, it often impedes personal growth and adaptation to new and potentially positive experiences.

Video

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