Sigmund Freud was the first to theorize about ego defense mechanisms. Many defense mechanisms are self-deceptive strategies utilized to ward off anxiety that is deemed too threatening to confront. Below is a list of some defense mechanisms.

– denial

– rationalization

– reaction formation

– displacement

– regression

– projection

– repression

– suppression

– rationalization

– compensation

– conversion

– avoidance

– acting out

– acceptance

– dissociation

– fantasy

– humility

– humor

– passive aggression

– idealisation

– identification

Select one from the list above, or, the list on the link below. Define and exemplify it. Is it conscious, or, unconscious? Explain why it is an effective, or, ineffective way of dealing with anxiety. Is its effective value different for long-term vs. short-term coping?