Defense Mechanisms
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This defense mechanism involves shifting blame or responsibility to someone else, making them the accused rather than the person initially responsible.
This defense mechanism involves giving the appearance of agreement with someone, while not genuinely supporting their views, often to avoid conflict.
pretending to agree
This defense mechanism involves using the potential for harm or punishment as a way to manipulate or control others.
making threats
This defense mechanism involves refusing to acknowledge the reality of a situation or the existence of certain feelings, thoughts, or behaviors.
denying
This defense mechanism involves giving excessive details or justifications to avoid admitting a mistake or vulnerability.
Over-explaining
This defense mechanism involves appearing weak or vulnerable to avoid confrontation or to manipulate others into being more protective.
acting fragile
This defense mechanism involves engaging in frequent disputes to deflect from other issues, often as a means of asserting control.
arguing
This defense mechanism involves raising one’s voice in order to dominate the conversation or drown out others’ points.
talking loudly
This defense mechanism involves becoming silent or withdrawn when confronted with an uncomfortable issue, avoiding communication altogether.
clamming up
This defense mechanism involves providing justifications or reasons for one's actions to avoid taking full responsibility.
making excuses
When faced with an uncomfortable topic, this defense mechanism involves shifting the conversation to something unrelated to avoid dealing with it.
changing the subject
This non-verbal defense mechanism involves using facial expressions, such as glaring, to communicate disapproval or frustration without directly addressing it.
giving dirty looks
This defense mechanism involves giving unclear or ambiguous responses to avoid providing clear answers or to avoid confrontation.
This defense mechanism involves hiding or disguising the truth, often to protect oneself from the consequences of an action
covering up
This defense mechanism involves downplaying the significance of an event, issue, or emotion to reduce its impact or importance.
minimizing
This defense mechanism involves using tears or emotional displays to deflect attention or to avoid responsibility for one’s actions.
acting weepy
This defense mechanism involves avoiding giving direct answers, often to avoid revealing information or feelings.
not answering questions
This defense mechanism involves belittling or degrading others as a way to boost one's own self-esteem or deflect attention from personal shortcomings.
putting others down
This defense mechanism involves intentionally providing false information to avoid facing uncomfortable truths or consequences.
lying
This defense mechanism involves intentionally refusing to communicate as a way of avoiding conflict or emotional discomfort.
silence
This defense mechanism involves assigning fault to someone else rather than taking responsibility for one's own actions.
blaming others
This defense mechanism involves using threats, fear, or power to control others or to avoid vulnerability.
intimidating
This defense mechanism involves feigning a lack of understanding in order to avoid taking responsibility or answering difficult questions.
acting confused
This defense mechanism involves expressing negative feelings indirectly, often through procrastination, stubbornness, or sarcasm.
acting passive-aggressive
This defense mechanism involves taking charge of situations or people to avoid feeling powerless or to distract from personal vulnerabilities
bossing