E-Book Overview
In psychology, denial is a concept originating with the psychodynamic theories of Sigmund Freud. According to Freud, three mental dynamics, or motivating forces, influence human behaviour: the id, ego, and superego. These three forces all have different goals (id, pleasure; ego, reality; superego, morality) and continually strive for dominance, resulting in internal conflict. This conflict produces anxiety. The ego, which functions as a mediator between the two extremes of the id and the superego, attempts to reduce this anxiety by using defence mechanisms. Defence mechanisms are indirect ways of dealing or coping with anxiety, such as explaining problems away or blaming others for problems. Denial is one of many defence mechanisms. It entails ignoring or refusing to believe an unpleasant reality. Defense mechanisms protect one's psychological well-being in traumatic situations, or in any situation that produces anxiety or conflict. This book presents original research in this exciting and thought-provoking field.
E-Book Content
PSYCHOLOGY OF EMOTIONS, MOTIVATIONS AND ACTIONS SERIES PSYCHOLOGY OF DENIAL No part of this digital document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means. The publisher has taken reasonable care in the preparation of this digital document, but makes no expressed or implied warranty of any kind and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of information contained herein. This digital document is sold with the clear understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, medical or any other professional services. PSYCHOLOGY OF EMOTIONS, MOTIVATIONS AND ACTIONS SERIES Psychology of Aggression James P. Morgan (Editor) 2004. ISBN 1-59454-136-1 The Psychology of Pessimism Daniel X. Choi; Ravi B. DeSilva and John R. T. Monson 2010. ISBN: 978-1-60876-802-8 New Research on the Psychology of Fear Paul L. Gower (Editor) 2005. ISBN: 1-59454-334-8 Psychological Well-Being Ingrid E. Wells (Editor) 2010. ISBN: 978-1-61668-180-7 Impulsivity: Causes, Control and Disorders George H. Lassiter (Editor) 2009. ISBN: 978-60741-951-8 Handbook of Stress: Causes, Effects and Control Pascal Heidenreich and Isidor Prüter (Editors) 2009. ISBN: 978-1-60741-858-0 Handbook of Aggressive Behavior Research Caitriona Quin and Scott Tawse (Editors) 2009. ISBN: 978-1-60741-583-1 Handbook of Aggressive Behavior Research Caitriona Quin and Scott Tawse (Editors) 2009. ISBN: 978-1-61668-572-0 (Online Book) Psychological Well-Being Ingrid E. Wells (Editor) 2010. ISBN: 978-1-61668-804-2 (Online Book) Psychology of Denial Sofía K. Ogden and Ashley D. Biebers (Editors) 2010. ISBN: 978-1-61668-094-7 Psychology of Neuroticism and Shame Raymond G. Jackson (Editor) 2010. ISBN: 978-1-60876-870-7 Psychology of Hate Carol T. Lockhardt (Editor) 2010. ISBN: 978-1-61668-050-3 Bio-Psycho-Social Perspectives on Interpersonal Violence Martha Frias-Armenta and Victor Corral-Verdigp (Editors) 2010. ISBN: 978-1-61668-159-3 Psychology of Risk Perception Joana G. Lavino and Rasmus B. Neumann (Editors) 2010. ISBN: 978-1-60876-960-5 Psychology of Persuasion Janos Csapó and Andor Magyar (Editors) 2010. ISBN: 978-1-60876-590-4 Psychology of Happiness Anna Mäkinen and Paul Hájek (Editors) 2010. ISBN: 978-1-60876-555-3 Personal Strivings as a Predictor of Emotional Intelligence Ferenc Margitics and Zsuzsa Pauwlik 2010. ISBN: 978-1-60876-620-8 Psychology of Thinking David A. Contreras (Editor) 2010. ISBN: 978-1-61668-934-6 Psychology of Thinking David A. Contreras (Editor) 2010. ISBN: 978-1-61728-029-0 (Online Book) Psychology of Expectations Pablo León and Nino Tamez (Editors) 2010. ISBN: 978-1-60876-832-5 Psychology of Intuit