Question 1

What did Freud mean when he used the term "sexual" in his psychosexual stages of development

Accepted Answer

Freud's use of the term "sexual" in the context of his psychosexual stages of development refers broadly to any pleasure-giving urge, not just those directly related to genital sexual impulses or romantic love. He believed that various parts of the body could provide pleasure and that this pleasure-seeking energy (libido) was a driving force in human development and behavior.

Question 2

Haley has been having problems with her boyfriend recently,and she has spent a lot more time at work.In fact,she has recently completed a large-scale project that impressed her boss a great deal.Which of Freud's defence mechanisms is illustrated by this example

Accepted Answer

Sublimation is the process of diverting negative emotions or impulses into a productive or socially acceptable activity. In this case, Haley has diverted her negative emotions from her relationship into her work, which has led to a successful project and impressed her boss.

Question 3

Which defence mechanism is associated with an adult who acts childish

Accepted Answer

Regression involves reverting to earlier behaviors and thoughts from a less mature stage of development when faced with stress or anxiety. Acting childish as an adult would be an example of regression.

Question 4

Whenever Uma is denied anything by her husband,she pouts and gives him the silent treatment.Which defence mechanism reflects this immature way of dealing with reality

Accepted Answer

Uma's behavior of pouting and giving the silent treatment when denied something by her husband is an example of regression. Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to an earlier stage of development in their behavior, thoughts, or feelings in response to stressful situations or emotional conflict. In this case, Uma's response is akin to how a child might react when upset or denied something they want, indicating a temporary regression to a more childish state of dealing with disappointment or conflict.

Question 5

Rico worries about his tendency toward abusing animals,so he joins the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Which defence mechanism is he using

Accepted Answer

Rico is using the defence mechanism reaction formation, which involves transforming unacceptable impulses or desires into their opposite. By joining the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Rico is showing a strong public stance against animal cruelty, which is the opposite of his internal tendency to abuse animals.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of sublimation

Accepted Answer

Sublimation involves redirecting unacceptable impulses into more socially acceptable behaviors. In this case, the individual is redirecting their negative emotions into a productive and creative outlet, such as making art.

Question 7

Todd was physically abused up until the age of 8.He is now 40 years old and he has absolutely no memories of the early abuse that he experienced.What defence mechanism is Todd using,according to Freud

Accepted Answer

Todd is using the defence mechanism of repression, as he has unconsciously suppressed or blocked out the memories of the abuse from his conscious awareness.

Question 8

Jose was very upset after a difficult meeting with his boss.When he got back to his office,he slammed the door and threw a bunch of file folders on the floor.What defence mechanism is Jose using,according to Freud

Accepted Answer

Jose is using the defense mechanism of displacement, which involves directing one's anger or frustration onto a less threatening object or person. In this case, he is releasing his anger through slamming the door and throwing file folders, rather than confronting his boss directly.

Question 9

Bruce attempts to make himself feel important by driving a European sports car,belonging to an exclusive tennis club,and eating at the best restaurants.Which defence mechanism does this reflect

Accepted Answer

Identification is the defense mechanism at play here. Bruce is trying to boost his self-esteem and sense of importance by associating himself with high-status items and groups. This behavior reflects identification, where an individual adopts the characteristics, behaviors, or attributes of other people or groups they admire or deem as successful or important.

Question 10

Which defence mechanism involves pushing distressing thoughts into the unconscious and keeping them there

Accepted Answer

Repression involves pushing distressing thoughts, memories and emotions into the unconscious and keeping them there. This is a defense mechanism that helps an individual to cope with the anxiety or stress caused by these negative thoughts or memories.

Question 11

Graham lost a lot of money on some bad investments in the stock market.Consequently,he had to trade his expensive luxury car for a smaller,more economical car.He has been telling all his co-workers that he made the switch to do his part to stop pollution.Which defence mechanism is Graham using,according to Freud

Accepted Answer

Graham is using rationalization as a defense mechanism, as he is providing a socially acceptable reason for his change in car rather than admitting to experiencing negative consequences from his investments.

Question 12

Scott has just been reprimanded by his supervisor.Later,Scott begins to pout and throws a tantrum in front of his co-workers.Which defence mechanism is Scott using

Accepted Answer

Scott is using regression, which is a defence mechanism where an individual reverts back to an earlier stage of development or behaviour. In this case, Scott is behaving childishly and throwing a tantrum, which is an immature response to being reprimanded by his supervisor.

Question 13

What is the defence mechanism in which you attribute your own thoughts or motives to others

Accepted Answer

Projection is the defence mechanism in which you attribute your own thoughts or motives to others. Displacement is when you shift your emotions from a person or situation onto a less threatening target. Regression is when you revert back to childlike behavior or responses in difficult situations. Reaction formation is when you act in the opposite way to how you really feel as a way of suppressing uncomfortable feelings.

Question 14

Meagan is strongly attracted to her co-worker,but he is married.To deal with the anxiety that her feelings have generated,she has unconsciously convinced herself that he is attracted to her.What defence mechanism is Meagan using,according to Freud

Accepted Answer

Meagan is using the defence mechanism of projection, which involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto another person. In this case, she is projecting her own attraction onto her married co-worker, believing that he is attracted to her when it is likely not the case.

Question 15

Hal is fearful of men who are friendly toward him,convinced that they are all homosexuals attempting to seduce him.Freud might suggest that Hal is himself a latent homosexual,fearful of admitting this even to himself.What defence mechanism is Hal using,in that case

Accepted Answer

Hal is using the defence mechanism of projection, where one attributes their own unacceptable impulses or fears onto others, in this case assuming that others are homosexual when it is actually his own latent homosexuality that he can't accept.

Question 16

Which defence mechanism involves bolstering one's self-esteem by forming an imaginary or real alliance with some person or group

Accepted Answer

Identification involves taking on the characteristics or qualities of another person or group in order to boost one's self-esteem. By aligning oneself with a successful or powerful figure or group, one can feel more confident and secure in their own identity. Displacement involves redirecting emotions onto a less threatening target, sublimation involves channeling unacceptable urges into socially acceptable behaviors, and compensation involves making up for perceived deficiencies in one area by excelling in another.

Question 17

Callie just gave birth to her sixth daughter.Unconsciously,she resents the baby's birth and wishes the infant would have died during delivery.However,when she cares for her infant,she showers her with exaggerated care and affection.Which defence mechanism is Callie using,according to Freud

Accepted Answer

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where a person behaves opposite to their true feelings or impulses to protect themselves from anxiety or guilt. In this case, Callie may be feeling guilty about her unconscious resentment towards her baby's birth and is overcompensating with exaggerated care and affection.

Question 18

Skye is 5 years old,and two weeks ago her mother had a new baby.Since her brother was brought home,Skye has insisted on drinking all her juice from baby bottles,and she has started wetting her bed.What defence mechanism does this reflect,according to Freud

Accepted Answer

Skye's behavior of drinking from baby bottles and wetting the bed reflect regression, which is a defense mechanism that involves reverting to an earlier stage of development in the face of stress or anxiety. Skye may be feeling anxious or insecure about the arrival of her new sibling, and so she is seeking comfort and security in behaviors that she engaged in when she was a baby.

Question 19

Failure to resolve conflict at a particular stage of psychosexual development may lead to failure to move forward psychologically.What did Freud call this phenomenon

Accepted Answer

Freud called the phenomenon of failure to resolve conflict at a particular stage of psychosexual development "fixation." This refers to being "stuck" at a particular stage and being unable to move forward psychologically.

Question 20

A man who has numerous reasons to be angry with his mother instead lavishes her with unrealistic amounts of attention and gifts.Which Freudian defence mechanism is he using

Accepted Answer

Reaction formation is a Freudian defense mechanism in which a person defends themselves against unacceptable or unpleasant impulses by outwardly expressing the opposite behavior. In this scenario, the man may have unacceptable feelings of anger towards his mother, but instead of expressing those feelings, he overcompensates by lavishing her with attention and gifts. This is an example of reaction formation.

Quiz 12: A: Personality: Theory, Research, and Assessment