feature 3

• defence mechanisms - unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage the conflict between the id and superego. For example repression - forcing a distressing memory out if the conscious mind.
• Defence mechanisms

  Ego has a difficult job balancing the conflicting demands of the id and superego so uses defence mechanisms, this are unconscious and stop the ego from becoming overwhelmed. However, they can distort a persons reality.

  • repression (forcing distressing memory out of conscious mind)
  • denial (refusing acknowledge an unpleasant aspect of reality)
  • displacement (transferring feelings from true source onto less threatening target)