Neurobiology of hope

Ego defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies used by individuals to protect themselves from anxiety, stress, and internal conflicts. These mechanisms, described by Sigmund Freud, help the ego manage the demands of the id, superego, and reality. Common defense mechanisms include repression (blocking painful thoughts), denial (refusing to accept reality), projection (attributing one’s own feelings to others), rationalization (justifying behaviors), and regression (reverting to earlier behaviors). While they can be helpful in coping with stress, overreliance on defense mechanisms may hinder emotional growth and self-awareness. Understanding them is essential in psychoanalytic and clinical psychology.