NAME:________________________________________DATE:__________________
Handout 3.2: Freudian Defense Mechanisms
For each of the following, state which of Freud’s defense mechanisms is being described.
1. Because Raul often lies, he assumes others are often lying as well. Projection
2. After getting into an argument with her co-worker, Lucinda comes home and starts yelling at her boyfriend. Projection
3. Marcella goes to therapy because she is struggling with an eating disorder. The therapist suggests that she was sexually abused as a child and that is why she has the eating disorder. The therapist is suggesting what? Repression
4. When Louis’s girlfriend says she doesn’t want to go out, he pitches a temper tantrum. Regression
5. Because he enjoys hurting people, Liam becomes a dentist. Repression
6. Mary tells people she failed her test because the professor was a jerk instead of reporting that she didn’t study. Projection
7. Because Sebastian has difficulties with his negative feelings towards Hispanics, he dates someone from Puerto Rico. Sublimation
8. Cheri smokes because she wasn’t breast-fed. Regression
9. When Caleb is feeling aggressive, he goes to the gym. Sublimation
10. Because you don’t like your coworker Zoe, you tell all your friends that she doesn’t like you. Projection