Please match the following defense mechanisms with the appropriate definitions Avoidance Psychological withdrawal Reaction formation Distancing Sarcasm Outdoing others Overly critical communication Formula communication We feel the need to top the achievements of others.

Please match the following defense mechanisms with the appropriate definitions Avoidance Psychological withdrawal Reaction formation Distancing Sarcasm Outdoing others Overly critical communication Formula communication We feel the need to top the achievements of others. b. We behave contrary to the way we really feel. c. We engage in superficial dialogue as a means to self-protection. d. We retreat from a problem in a relationship. e. We judge or criticize the behavior of others. f. We feel uncomfortable in a particular situation, yet feel forced to be physically present. g. We prevent others from getting close to us. h. We use a biting sense of humor to keep people at a distance and to maintain com humor to keep to maintain in a situation

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

Here’s the correct matching of defense mechanisms to their definitions:

1. Avoidance – d. We retreat from a problem in a relationship
2. Psychological withdrawal – g. We prevent others from getting close to us
3. Reaction formation – b. We behave contrary to the way we really feel
4. Distancing – f. We feel uncomfortable in a particular situation, yet feel forced to be physically present
5. Sarcasm – h. We use a biting sense of humor to keep people at a distance and to maintain control in a situation
6. Outdoing others – a. We feel the need to top the achievements of others
7. Overly critical communication – e. We judge or criticize the behavior of others
8. Formula communication – c. We engage in superficial dialogue as a means to self-protection

Explanation: Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies people use to protect themselves from emotional pain, anxiety, or conflict. Each mechanism functions as a psychological barrier that shields one’s internal state by modifying responses to uncomfortable realities.

Avoidance refers to deliberately steering clear of emotional confrontations or challenges within a relationship. This is a temporary shield from discomfort, but it often hinders genuine connection.

Psychological withdrawal is a subtler method of shutting people out emotionally to prevent vulnerability. It is not physical absence but emotional detachment.

Reaction formation results in people displaying the opposite behavior of their true feelings, often to conform or to protect their self-image.

Distancing occurs when one remains physically present but emotionally disconnected, often out of obligation or fear of confrontation.

Sarcasm is more than humor. It is often used to veil aggression or discomfort, creating distance between individuals without exposing vulnerability.

Outdoing others is a competitive behavior rooted in insecurity. By surpassing others, individuals try to reinforce their own self-worth.

Overly critical communication serves as a deflection. By focusing on others’ faults, a person avoids confronting their own insecurities.

Formula communication involves rehearsed, emotionally detached conversation that protects the speaker from deep interaction.

Together, these mechanisms reveal how the human psyche navigates difficult emotions by crafting adaptive yet sometimes dysfunctional patterns of interaction. Recognizing them is the first step toward emotional resilience.