Repression

Removing painful experiences and unacceptable impulses from the conscious mind: “motivated forgetting.”

Not lashing out physically in anger; putting a bad experience out of your mind.

Rationalization

Supplying a reasonable sounding explanation for unacceptable feelings and behavior to conceal (mostly from oneself) one’s underlying motives or feelings.

Dropping calculus “allegedly” because of poor ventilation in the classroom.

Reaction formation

Unconsciously replacing threatening inner wishes and fantasies with an exaggerated version of their opposite.

Being rude to someone you’re attracted to.

Projection

Attributing one’s own threatening feelings, motives, or impulses to another person or group.

Judging others as being dishonest because you believe that you are dishonest.

Regression

Reverting to an immature behavior or earlier stage of development, a time when things felt more secure, to deal with internal conflict and perceived threat.

Using baby talk, even though able to use appropriate speech, in response to distress.

Displacement

Shifting unacceptable wishes or drives to a neutral or less threatening alternative

Slamming a door; yelling at someone other than the person you’re mad at.

Identification

Dealing with feelings of threat and anxiety by unconsciously taking on the characteristics of another person who seems more powerful or better able to cope.

A bullied child becoming a bully.

Sublimation

Channeling unacceptable sexual or aggressive drives into socially acceptable and culturally enhancing activities.

Diverting anger to the football or rugby field, or other contact sport.