What is consciousness? Consciousness is a combination of the basic processes of the psyche, which gives us the ability to feel, feel, imagine. In psychoanalysis, consciousness is defined as a space generated by the unconscious, from which everything that can go against the dominant content is displaced. In fact, everything that somehow does not fit into rigid ideas about oneself is not allowed into consciousness by this very unconscious.
The defense mechanisms of the psyche are the levers with which the unconscious controls what will fall into the field of consciousness. They serve to eliminate or minimize negative, traumatic experiences. Also, their action is aimed at maintaining the stability of a person's self-esteem.
There are several types of defense mechanisms of the human psyche:
crowding out
The whole point is that unpleasant information is simply forgotten. That is, some traumatic event happened, and after a while the memories of it all fade away until they are forgotten altogether.
Negation
Means that the person does not see / is not aware of the obvious things. This pattern is clearly visible in a relationship, when one partner turns a blind eye to problems or denies their existence.
Substitution
It is well shown, again, on the example of a relationship, when the husband after work breaks down anger and discontent with his wife and children. Although the real object of his negative emotions is his boss or colleague.
Regression
Reacting not in an adult way, but in a childish way. You probably have repeatedly met adults, independent people who react to some situations like children. They are capricious and throw tantrums.
Projection
Attributing your own negative traits to another. The mechanism works to direct negative energy to the other person and not to yourself.
Compensation
Decreasing the importance of the area in which a person feels inferior and exaggerating the area where there is still success.
Reactive education
If ever before a person wanted to do, or even did, any unacceptable, socially condemned act, then when this mechanism works, he will subsequently condemn people who do the same act in every possible way.
Sublimation
Replacing an action that you want, but "can't" do, with some other action. Sublimation was initially attributed primarily to the sphere of sexual life, when the subject experiences a strong sexual desire, but cannot realize it and is engaged in something that drowns out the desire. For example, sports. Now this concept is broader. Sublimation includes any redirected action.
Our psyche is a complex mechanism that does not always work for our benefit. Often the defense mechanisms of the psyche do not so much solve the problem as create it. You can find out about this by passing a simple test for the protective mechanisms of the psyche. If you work in this direction, you can greatly increase the quality of your life.
