Ego Defense Mechanisms
Overachievement in one area to offset real or perceived deficiencies in another area
What is compensation
Allowing the client to take the initiative in introducing the topic
What is broad opening
Telling the client what to do
“I think you should. . ..”
“Why don’t you. . ..”
What is advising
When words and actions match
What is congruence
The task: Formulating a sense of self and belonging is achieved in this stage
Identity vs. role confusion
Acting the opposite of what one thinks or feels
What is reaction formation
An accepting response that indicates the nurse has heard and followed the train of tought. It does not indicate agreement but is nonjudgmental. Examples: "yes" "I follow what you said" Nodding.
What is accepting
Attempting to protect someone or something from verbal attack
What is defending
The ability of the nurse to perceive the meanings and feelings of the client and to communicate that understanding to the client.
What is empathy
The task: Achieving a sense of control and free will is achieved in this stage.
What is autonomy vs. shame and doubt
Excusing own behavior to avoid guilt, responsibility, conflict, anxiety, or loss of self-respect
What is rationalization
Directing client actions, thoughts, and feelings back to the client.
What is reflecting
Sanctioning the client’s behavior or ideas
“That’s good.”
“I’m glad that. . ..”
What is giving approval
Avoiding judgments of the person, no matter what the behavior
What is acceptance
This task: Accepting responsibility for one’s self and life is achieved in this stage.
What is ego integrity vs despair
Failure to acknowledge an unbearable condition; failure to admit the reality of a situation or how one enables the problem to continue
What is denial
Absence of verbal communication, which provides time for the client to put thoughts or feelings into words, to regain composure, or to continue talking
What is silence
Indicating there is no reason for anxiety or other feelings of discomfort
What is reassuring
Appreciating the client as a unique worthwhile human being can respect the client regardless of his or her behavior, background, or lifestyle. This unconditional nonjudgmental attitude is known as ...
What is positive regard.
The tasks building confidence in own abilities and taking pleasure in accomplishments are achieved in this stage.
What is industry vs inferiority
Unconscious blaming of unacceptable inclinations or thoughts on an external object
What is projection
Another means of responding to distortions of reality. Such expression permits the client to become aware that others do not necessarily perceive events in the same or draw the same conclusions.
What is voicing doubt
Demanding proof from the client
What is challenging
When the nurse is comfortable with him or herself, aware of his or her strengths and limitations, and clearly focused, the client perceives a genuine person showing ...
What is genuine interest
The task:
Viewing the world as safe and reliable
Viewing relationships as nurturing, stable, and dependable
is achieved in this stage
What is trust vs. mistrust