Overview Unconscious processes that prevent undesirable feelings Can be immature or mature login to view 2 more bullets Immature Defenses A man is fired from his job as an accountant that he has had for the past 27 years. When he hears the news he yells, knocks things off his bosses desk and locks himself in a bathroom stall. login to view 2 more bullets A woman is in a terrible car accident where her newborn is ejected from the car and dies due to the impact. While in the ED being treated for her wounds, the patient appears calm and is in no distress. Though she does recall some sort of car accident she can't remember what happened to her newborn and seems to be doing well. login to view 3 more bullets A 69-year-old male is diagnosed with biopsy confirmed prostate cancer. Upon receiving this information the patient tells his wife confidently that he does not have prostate cancer and that he is completely fine. login to view 2 more bullets An 18-year-old female is dumped by her boyfriend. She takes the news at the time well and seems alright. When she arrives home that night she yells at her mother telling her that she has never listened to her and never cared about her with no instigating event. login to view 2 more bullets A mother wishes her eldest soon goodbye as he leaves on his final tour of duty on the frontline. She was worried at first but no longer is as the amulet she gave him will act as shield and bring him back home safely. login to view 2 more bullets A young man spends a large amount of his time outside the female dormitories. He pretends to be reading a math textbook but enjoys looking in through the windows of his female classmates, particularly as they undress. (voyeurism) login to view 2 more bullets The chief surgical resident is often demeaning to his residents and shows very little respect for the nursing team. The following year, another residents becomes the new chief resident on the same service and exhibits the exact same behavior. login to view 3 more bullets A female witnesses the murder of her husband at a farmer's market. When the police come she describes the event succinctly and without emotion. login to view 2 more bullets A young male tells his best friend that he does not like her outfit. She takes the comment well at the time, but over the next several weeks decides to ignore all his messages and not hang out with him. login to view 3 more bullets A young woman has routinely been flirting with one of her coworkers. When she goes on a date with her boyfriend she acuses him of cheating on her and trying to spend time with other women. login to view 2 more bullets A young male is fired from his job as a laboratory technician for routinely contaminating samples. He states that it is actually a good thing that this happened as he has been spending 60 hours per week at his job and it was causing him too much stress. He states that now he is now happier and it was something he never wanted to do anyway. login to view 3 more bullets A man is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. When he explains the diagnosis to his family he seems focused on discussing the scientific literature related to treatment, and the recent advances associated with the outcomes and mortality. He does not seem to display concern or sadness for his diagnosis. login to view 2 more bullets A female college student has been attending the student mental health clinic for stress management. Upon reviewing the female's chart the psychiatrist sees that she was raped 1 month ago;however, upon questioning she is completely unable to recall the event. login to view 3 more bullets A male raves that his doctor is the best in the United States. She is gorgeous, punctual, intelligent, and always helps him. When he finds out that she is 5 minutes late due to one of her other appointments, he tells everyone that she is actually a terrible doctor and is incompetent. login to view 3 more bullets Mature Defenses A man has been stealing from his school he teaches at for the past 2 years. He has began to feel terrible for his behavior and has began volunteering at soup kitchens every weekend as a means to deal with his actions. login to view 2 more bullets An obese male is counseled by his physician to begin exercising more. The patient returns for a follow-up visit and explains to the doctor that while he hasn't exercised much, but he has been eating quicker which he jokes is getting his jaw muscles in shape. login to view 2 more bullets An artist has recurrent suicidal ideation and anxiety. Whenever she experiences these feelings, she expresses her inner angst on the canvas creating beautiful works of art that depict the sorrow that resides within the depths of her soul. login to view 2 more bullets A young male is particularly emotionally tender when it comes to discussing his ex-girlfriend. Whenever she is brought up, he chooses to not discuss her and talks about something else. login to view 3 more bullets