Human Growth and Development / Unit 1 HGD 0025 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Ego Defenses
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The idea
Ego defenses are mental strategies used automatically and unconsciously to manage anxiety when a person feels threatened, each distorting reality somewhat.
In practice
Repression, pushing upsetting memories out of awareness; denial, refusing to see what an event implies.
Where people slip
Freud's theory is hard to test scientifically, and his case studies were never validated. Ego defenses are among its better-supported ideas.
Your place on the trail
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