Journal Entry Essay

Submitted By bre216
Words: 452
Pages: 2

The Nine Psychological Defense Mechanisms
Kendra went through traumatizing events as a child. She was repeatedly raped by her step-father. As she got older she pushed the memories out of her head and tried to forget that it ever happened (Regression). Even though she tried very hard to forget the traumatizing events she experienced, the thoughts of it still came to mind. This began to make Kendra upset, which led to her becoming extremely violent. She often punched walls and broke things around the house. One day, she realized that she needed to a positive source to channel her anger. She then decided to become a professional fighter (Sublimation). Years went by as Kendra won fight after fight. She went on to a championship and unfortunately lost. After her loss, Kendra began to drink heavily and use drugs. Her family tried to help her but she refused to recognize her drug and alcohol addiction (Denial). As a result, she rejected her family’s help. Kendra continued abusing alcohol and drugs, she even began making excuses for her drinking and drug habits. She would tell herself, “I’ve had a hard life, that’s why I drink and consume drugs.” (Rationalization). One morning Kendra went to the liquor store to pick up a bottle of alcohol. She had a friend named Ken who worked there. As she proceeded to pay for her booze, Ken asked her “Why do you drink so much?” Kendra replied “I’ve been through a lot of traumatizing experiences. Drinking takes my mind off those things”, she said emotionless (Intellectualization). Somehow, Kendra and Ken started dating. As their courtship continued, Kendra began to find other men quite attractive. Ken spoke on her attraction to other men but she denied it, claiming that it was not true. Also, during this phase