Protecting the Self: Defense Mechanisms in Action

About the Book

Integrating theory, research, and practical applications, this timely book provides a comprehensive examination of defense mechanisms and their role in both normal development and psychopathology. The author describes how children and adults mobilize specific kinds of defenses to maintain their psychological equilibrium and preserve self-esteem, particularly in situations of trauma or stress. Many lucid examples illustrate what these mechanisms look like in everyday life; the impact of age, gender, and personality differences; what happens when defenses are used maladaptively; and how they are affected by psychotherapy. Challenges in assessment are considered, and empirically supported instruments and approaches are discussed in depth.

Table of Contents:

I. Defenses in Everyday Life
1. Introduction
2. Development of Defenses
II. A Closer Look at Three Defenses
3. Denial
4. Projection
5. Identification
III. Defense Mechanisms in Action
6. Defenses in Childhood: Stress and Psychopathology
7. Stress and Defense Use in Adulthood
8. Defenses and Personality
9. Gender Differences and Defenses
10. Studying Defenses over Time: Longitudinal Studies
IV. Defenses and Psychopathology
11. Defenses and Psychopathology in Adult Community and Student Samples
12. Defenses and Psychopathology in Adult Psychiatric Patients
13. Defenses and Psychotherapy
14. Case Studies
V. Assessment of Defenses
15. Explaining the Defense Mechanism Manual
16. Other Approaches to Assessing Defense Mechanisms

About the Author :

Phebe Cramer, PhD, until her death in 2021, was Professor of Psychology Emeritus at Williams College, where she joined the faculty in 1970. Dr. Cramer published more than 90 research articles and five books, on topics including defense mechanisms, narcissism, and longitudinal personality development. She was a recipient of the Bruno Klopfer Award from the Society for Personality Assessment and the Murray–Helson Award from the Association for Research in Personality. At Williams, Dr. Cramer was the first woman to hold the position of full professor, the first to chair a department, and the first tenured female professor in the psychology department, and she cofounded a committee that fought for and won salary equity and maternity leave for women. In addition to teaching and research, she maintained a private clinical psychology practice for much of her career and held staff positions in hospitals and institutes.

Review :
'Cramer presents a fascinating program of research and theory on developmental and clinical aspects of defense mechanisms. All students of personality - and all clinicians, regardless of theoretical orientation - will enrich their understanding of the core role that defenses play. Written in a clear and compelling manner, this book helps us understand how denial, projection, and identification are manifested in normal development and in psychopathology. This book makes an important contribution to a developmentally informed approach to mental disorders.' "- Robert L. Leahy, PhD, American Institute for Cognitive Thearpy, New York, NY"" " 'This book is a unique combination of groundbreaking research, sweeping scholarship, and powerful clinical case studies. Cramer convincingly reasserts the central role of defense in any theory of personality, making this book essential reading for clinicians, researchers, and all those involved in the study of human development and personality.' "- Jack Novick, PhD, Training and Supervising Analyst, International Psychoanalytic Association "