Maggie is having a really hard time at work, and doesn't get any approval from her supervisor. She was recently told that her performance was not sufficient to earn a raise, and she may be at risk of losing her job when the new budget is announced. Instead of improving her skills at work, Maggie goes to the gym every day after work, and completes a grueling workout. Her personal trainer is incredibly impressed with Maggie's progress and she gets a lot of compliments on her very toned body. Which defence mechanism does this example illustrate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maggie is using overcompensation as a defence mechanism, by focusing on her physical appearance and achieving success in her fitness goals, in order to compensate for her perceived failure at work and lack of approval from her boss. She is trying to overcompensate for her shortcomings in one area of her life by excelling in another area.

Maggie Is Having a Really Hard Time at Work, and Doesn't