Defense MechanismsSometimes in dealing with anxiety and conflict, a level of the brainalso deals with memories. This level is called the unconscious level.
Behaviorthat involves self-deception is a mental defense called defense mechanisms. Some of these defences can be valuable devices. When someone replaces aseemingly impossible goal with a possible one, compensation has beenn used. Redirecting aggresion from hostility to a drive to be sucessful is helpful. This defence is sublimation. While fantasy is a form of escape, it is also away to work out imaginary solutions to conflicts.
Some of these defences can be harmful to you as well as others. When aperson lashes out at another person for no reason, it may be the results ofsomething that happeneded earlier that day. The person who was lashed out at isthe victim of displaced agression. When these defence mechanisms are taken toextremes and used over a long period of time these defences can be harmful.
