What are the negatives that can come from using defense mechanisms on a long-term basis?

One of Freud’s legacies was his identification of defense mechanisms. This is a construct that we can all relate to because we have all used at least a few of these defense mechanisms at one time or another in our lives. And because these defense mechanisms tend to be most evident in times of stress and anxiety, you can expect to see these used by people with whom you are working or mentoring in your future work. With this in mind, along with what you read this week, write a two- to four-page paper that covers the following points:
What is the purpose of defense mechanisms?
What short-term benefits come from employing defense mechanisms?
Are there any long-term benefits that come from using defense mechanisms?
What are the negatives that can come from using defense mechanisms on a long-term basis?
Name and discuss the three to four defenses mechanisms that you believe you will see in people with whom you will work who are struggling with high levels of stress, anxiety, and/or depression.
For each named defense mechanism:
Discuss what perceived benefit the person might get from employing that defense mechanism.
Discuss how that defense mechanism may be prolonging their behavioral and/or emotional struggles.
Discuss what behavioral or thought process you might suggest to them as a healthier response than that defense mechanism.

Last Completed Projects