Why Do I Do That?: Psychological Defense Mechanisms and the Hidden Ways They Shape Our Lives

One of the most basic features of our natures is that we are defensive. That is, we seek to ward off psychic pain and defend ourselves against perceived attacks. Our minds are squeamish. We try to uphold a bearable picture of ourselves in the face of any possible insights or criticisms that others may direct toward—us or that could emanate from the

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Emotional memories and our sense of self Early experiences with our parents and others stimulate different emotions and combinations of emotions that become associated with our sense of self and our sense of what others are like. This is how it works. Consider how a child experiences the emotions of others in an interaction and how these become the

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