Page 2236 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Box 64-1
Types of Defense Mechanisms

Compensation: Putting forth extra effort to counterbalance perceived
deficiencies by emphasizing strengths.
Conversion: The expression of emotional conflicts through physical symptoms
that have no organic cause.
Denial: Ignoring the existence of unpleasant or intolerable thoughts, feelings,
needs, or impulses.
Displacement: Feelings about a person, object, or situation are directed to
another less-threatening person, object, or situation.

2236