Chapter 2: Activity (Defense Mechanisms)

Step 1. Pick a fictional character from the media. This can be a character from the movies, tv, video games, books, plays, etc. Begin your writing by letting us know which fictional character you have chosen. It is fine to choose a character that someone else has chosen, so long as your work is still your own.

Step 2. Demonstrate your understanding of how the defense mechanisms work by providing examples of how the character would use each defense mechanism. What would that look like and why? Required length: 3-6 sentences (for each mechanism).

1. Repression
2. Denial
3. Projection
4. Rationalization
5. Displacement
6. Intellectualization
7. Regression

Reply:

The fictional character from the media that I chose is Shelden Cooper from Big Bang Theory.

1. Repression- Shelden uses repression when it comes to driving. Shelden refuses to learn to drive a car and go get his license at DMV for the better half of the series. When pressured by his friends, he claims he was to busy with work to learn as a teenager and is clearly to evolved to learn now.

2. Denial- Shelden is constantly pushed beyond his comfort zone with Leonard’s girlfriend and their neighbor Penny. Frequently, Penny says and does things that cause Shelden anxiety and discomfort. At one point, Penny causes him so much anxiety, he kicks her out of his apartment and pretends she doesn’t exist so he can have things his way.

3. Projection- Shelden is rude and insults his boss. As a result, Shelden gets fired his job. For weeks, Shelden talks and acts like his boss did something wrong and refuses to take ownership for his actions.

4. Rationalization- This particular defense mechanism is difficult for this character. For the most part, Shelden says and does things that are socially unacceptable. One example would be at the University where Shelden worked, their was a tenure position open that Shelden and his friends were all after. Shelden really wanted the position and didn’t get chosen. Shelden’s response would have been that he didn’t want it anyway.

5. Displacement- Many times when people in Shelden’s life cause his anxiety and conflict. Instead of taking out his frustration on the person who caused it, he takes it out on his friends. Also, when Shelden and his girlfriends Amy break up, he takes out his feelings on all of his close friends instead of talking to the source of his feelings.

6. Intellectualization- Sheldens friend Leonard needs surgery to help his breathing at night. Shelden is upset about the risks of surgery and possible changes with Leonard due post surgery. Instead of expressing his concerns and worry, he puts all of energy in his work.

7. Regression- At one point, Sheldens roommate and best friend decides to move out to live with his girlfriend. Shelden throws a temper tantrum and runs away to his mother’s house in Texas. While with his mom in Texas, he acts acts like a child.