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VOL. 11, ISSUE 3 (2025)
Ego defense mechanisms in mental health as pathways to resilience and maladaptation- A theoretical analysis
Authors
Srishti Sharma, Dr. Prama Sharma
Abstract
Ego defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies that
help an individual to manage stress and emotional conflicts that occurs in
daily life. The concept of Ego defense mechanisms originated from Freudian
psychoanalytic theory and then expanded in Valliant’s hierarchical model, and
cognitive-neurobiological studies. This theoretical research paper explores
their dual function in psychological resilience and maladaptation with
highlighting the complicated balance between adaptive and maladaptive defenses.
This study examines how mature defenses such as sublimation, humor, and
suppression contribute to emotional regulation and mental well-being.
Conversely, it also analyzes how maladaptive defenses such as denial,
projection, and dissociation can be responsible for psychological distress and
psychopathology and their role in manifesting the conditions like anxiety,
depression, and personality disorders. The exploratory research method has been
used in this research paper. By synthesizing interdisciplinary
perceptions, this paper highlights the role of defense mechanisms in mental
health. The findings provide a conceptual foundation for understanding ego
defenses as both protective and potentially harmful psychological strategies,
emphasizing their significance in clinical practice and mental health research.
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Pages:33-35
How to cite this article:
Srishti Sharma, Dr. Prama Sharma "Ego defense mechanisms in mental health as pathways to resilience and maladaptation- A theoretical analysis". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, Vol 11, Issue 3, 2025, Pages 33-35
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