e capable of undergoing reversal so that Sadism can change to Masochism , Voyeurism into Exhibitionism, etc. Reversal being usually , though not always from Active to Passive. OBSESSIONAL DEFENSES:- RATIONALIZATION: Rational statement is given to avoid an inner unconscious aspect of an impulse or feeling. The classic example of the " Sour Grapes" in Aesop's fable. We all give justifications which may be reasonable for our decisions, acts , feelings and whims. INTELLECTUALIZATION: Here a rationalized explanation is given , but in a rather theorizing and argumentative manner. For example a debate and discussion about value of psychoanalysis by patient may be a resistance against involvement in therapeutic relationship . REACTION FORMATION:- This is feeling or a behavior which the opposite of the unacceptable instinctual impulses. It is doing the opposite where the quality of the impulse is changed in its antithesis. For example kindness may be the declared behavior when the impulse is to be cruelty . Obsessive cleanliness and washing may conceal an impulse to indulge in dirty, forbidden or obscene act or phantasy. WITHDRAWAL / ISOLATION OF AFFECT:- An unconscious idea allowed into consciousness but all affect is withdrawn from it , i.e. the idea is separated from its associated affect. This is very frequent in obsessional (Often of aggressive nature and accompanied by anxiety) UNDOING:- A magical attempt to reverse the action of an impulse .Closing the gas tap may be a reversal of the wish to open it. OTHER DEFENSE MECHANISMS:- DENIAL PROJECTION: Attribution of one's own unacknowledged feelings to others. A feeling of anger may be transformed into a fear of people attacking the person .A denial and projection of dependency needs may be displayed as a complaint of who other people are weak and demanding. INTROJECTION INTERNALIZATION EXTERNALIZATION IDENTIFICATION DISTORTION: Grossly reshaping external reali...
