20.

Explain ego defence mechanisms. illustrate with examples projection as a defence mechanism.

A defence mechanism is an act or technique of coping mechanisms that reduce anxiety generated by threats from unacceptable or negative impulses.

Sigmund Freud was one of the first proponents of this construct. Defence mechanisms may result in healthy or unhealthy consequences depending on the circumstances and frequency with which the mechanism is used.

Healthy persons normally use different defence throughout life.  An ego defence mechanism becomes pathological only when its persistent use leads to maladaptive behaviour such that the physical or mental health of the individual is adversely affected. The purpose of ego defence mechanisms is to protect the mind/self/ego from anxiety and or social sanctions and/or to provide a refuge from a situation with which once cannot currently cope.