Defense Mechanism Parts

Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic theory have described the process by which we protect ourselves from awareness of our undesired and feared impulses. Defense mechanisms are our way of distancing ourselves from a full awareness of unpleasant thoughts, feelings and desires.
In psychoanalytic theory, defense mechanisms represent an unconscious mediation by the ego of id impulses which are in conflict with the wishes and needs of the ego and/or superego. By altering and distorting one's awareness of the original impulse, one makes it more tolerable.
However, while defense mechanisms are used in an attempt to protect oneself from unpleasant emotions, they often result in equally harmful problems.  Below are some of the more common defense mechanisms.