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Defence mechanism
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== Perry's defence mechanism rating scale (DMRS) == The defence Mechanism Rating Scale (DMRS) includes thirty processes of defence that are divided into 7 categories. Starting from the highest level of adaptiveness these levels include: high-adaptive, obsessional, neurotic, minor image-distorting, disavowal, major image-distorting, and action. The scale was originally created by '''J. Christopher Perry''' for the purpose of being able to provide patients with a "defence diagnosis."<ref name="Elsevier"/> Additions have been made by '''Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe''' and colleagues to enlarge the application of the DMRS, creating the DMRS self report and DMRS-Q sort.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Di Giuseppe |first1=Mariagrazia |last2=Perry |first2=John Christopher |last3=Lucchesi |first3=Matilde |last4=Michelini |first4=Monica |last5=Vitiello |first5=Sara |last6=Piantanida |first6=Aurora |last7=Fabiani |first7=Matilde |last8=Maffei |first8=Sara |last9=Conversano |first9=Ciro |date=2020 |title=Preliminary Reliability and Validity of the DMRS-SR-30, a Novel Self-Report Measure Based on the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales |journal=Frontiers in Psychiatry |volume=11 |page=870 |doi=10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00870 |doi-access=free |pmid=33005160 |issn=1664-0640|pmc=7479239 }}</ref> === Level 1: Action defences === Action defence mechanisms are used unconsciously to help reduce stress. Examples include [[Passive-aggressive behavior|passive aggression]], help-rejecting complaining, and [[acting out]], which channel impulses into appropriate behaviors. These processes offer short-term relief but may prevent lasting improvements in the root causes. === Level 2: Major image-distorting defences === Major image-distorting mechanisms are used to guard a person's own image and their ego from perceived dangers, conflicts, or fears. These processes involve simplifying the way a person sees themselves and others. Splitting of one's self or other's image and [[projective identification]] both work on an unconscious level and help to alter reality, enabling these individuals to uphold a more positive view of their lives or situations. === Level 3: Disavowal defences === Disavowal defence mechanisms include the rejection or denial of unpleasant ideas, emotions, or events. People sometimes distance themselves from certain parts of their identity, whether they are aware of it or not, in order to avoid feelings of unease or discomfort. Mechanisms such as autistic fantasy, [[Rationalization (psychology)|rationalization]], [[denial]], and [[Psychological projection|projection]], can help shield one's ego from feelings of stress or guilt that arise when facing reality. === Level 4: Minor image-distorting defences === Level four defence mechanisms serve the purpose of protecting an individual's self-esteem. There are several processes that people may use, such as [[Devaluation (psychology)|devaluation and idealization of self-image and others-image]], as well as [[Omnipotence (psychoanalysis)|omnipotence]]. These mechanisms assist in preserving a healthy self-perception during times of psychological instability. === Level 5: Neurotic === These defences are strategies that the mind uses without conscious awareness in order to manage anxiety, which is often a result of ongoing conflicts. There are several mechanisms that people use to cope with distressing thoughts and emotions. These include [[Repression (psychoanalysis)|repression]], [[Displacement (psychology)|displacement]], [[Dissociation (psychology)|dissociation]], and [[reaction formation]]. These defences may offer brief relief; however, they can inhibit development in oneself and contribute to harmful habits. === Level 6: Obsessional defences === Obsessional defences refer to mental techniques that individuals utilize to cope with anxiety by exerting control over their thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. People may rely on strict routines, a desire for perfection, or a strong need for order to maintain a sense of control and avoid facing uncertainty or undesirable impulses. These defences, such as isolation of affects, [[intellectualization]], and [[Undoing (psychology)|undoing]], provide a short-term solution but can result in the development of [[Obsessive–compulsive disorder|obsessive-compulsive behaviors]] and hinder one's capacity to express and adapt to emotions. === Level 7: High-adaptative defences === This level of defences allow individuals to cope with stressors, challenges, and trauma. Mechanisms, such as [[Sublimation (psychology)|sublimation]], affiliation, self-assertion, suppression, [[altruism]], anticipation, humor, and [[Self-awareness|self-observation]] play a role in building resilience. They allow individuals to redefine challenges in a beneficial way that maximizes positivity. In doing so, they enhance their psychological well-being and encourage adaptation.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Di Giuseppe |first1=Mariagrazia |last2=Perry |first2=J. Christopher |date=2021 |title=The Hierarchy of Defense Mechanisms: Assessing Defensive Functioning With the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales Q-Sort |journal=Frontiers in Psychology |volume=12 |doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2021.718440 |doi-access=free |pmid=34721167 |issn=1664-1078|pmc=8555762 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=APA PsycNet |url=https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2004-19502-009 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=psycnet.apa.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The DMRS-Q |url=https://dmrs-q.com/dmrs-q |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=dmrs-q.com |language=it-it}}</ref>
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