According to Freud, what are "defense mechanisms"?

Defense mechanisms, as defined by Freud, are psychological strategies utilized by the ego to manage anxiety and maintain emotional equilibrium in the face of reality. They serve as unconscious processes that help individuals deal with thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are threatening or distressing. By employing these mechanisms, individuals can shield themselves from overwhelming emotions or experiences.

Freud identified several specific defense mechanisms, including repression, denial, projection, and rationalization, among others. These mechanisms enable individuals to avoid confronting difficult situations or feelings directly, allowing them to function more comfortably in their everyday lives.

While some of those concepts may overlap with other choices, such as maladaptive behaviors learned in childhood or expressions of anger, they do not encapsulate the broader purpose and functioning of defense mechanisms as adaptive psychological strategies primarily aimed at coping with reality. Therefore, understanding defense mechanisms as effective psychological tools highlights their role in enhancing mental well-being and emotional stability while navigating life's challenges.