Predicting Defense Mechanisms
A Comprehensive Analysis of Personality Traits and Values in Adult Behavioral Health
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67945/jfa.v17i1.11Keywords:
defense mechanisms, personality traits, behavioral health, predictive modelingAbstract
Objective
This paper reviews defense mechanisms and the ability to predict them from personality traits and values. Defense mechanisms operate subconsciously in responses to anxiety-producing thoughts and feelings (Schauenburg et al., 2007). Defense mechanism alters perception by distorting or dissociating information (Pitil & Ghazali, 2021). Similar to values, defense mechanisms are core to the personality, shape the information perceived, and may cause issues in communication, behavior, and overall well-being (Evren et al., 2012; Giovazolias et al., 2017; Kazemi & Khosravi, 2016; Thienemann et al., 1998). While adaptive defense mechanisms are good, maladapted defenses create issues. Thus, defense mechanisms should be well-understood and considered vital to all axiologists.
Method and Results
This study aimed to identify the most accurate predictive model for each defense mechanism using personality traits and values in an adult behavioral health population. A total of 278 respondents from a tele-behavioral health clinic were analyzed. The analysis utilized six different predictive models—three linear and three non-linear—to identify the most meaningful relationships. The findings indicate that personality traits and values predict defense mechanisms with varying degrees of predictive strength ranging from 3.9% to 39.3%.
Conclusions
Defense mechanisms are often unknown until they emerge. Yet, this study demonstrates that defense mechanisms are predictable and could be used to aid communication and attenuate their effects. Additionally, maladapted defense mechanisms often give rise to conflict, mistrust, and miscommunication, which can have adverse effects. While the sample was a behavioral health population, and miscommunication in health care can be deleterious, the implications are much broader. Thus, this paper provides a framework for predicting defense styles before they emerge that can aid any interpersonal relationship.
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