Resolving defence mechanisms: A perspective based on dissipative structure theory

Abstract

Theories and classifications of defence mechanisms are not unified. This study addresses the psychological system as a dissipative structure which exchanges information with the external and internal world. When using defence mechanisms, the cognitive-affective schema of an individual could remain stable and ordered by excluding psychological entropy, obtaining psychological negentropy or by dissipating the energy of self-presentation. From this perspective, defences can be classified into three basic types: isolation, compensation and self-dissipation. However, not every kind of defence mechanisms can actually help the individual. Non-adaptive defences are just functioning as an effective strategy in the short run but can be a harmful approach in the long run, while adaptive defences could instead help the individual as a long-term mechanism. Thus, we would like to suggest that it is more useful for the individual to use more adaptive defence mechanisms and seek out social or interpersonal support when undergoing psychic difficulties. As this model of defences is theoretical at present, we therefore aim to support and enrich this viewpoint with empirical evidence.

Systematic Risk and Cross Section of Equity Returns: Evidence from Nepalese Insurance Sector

“…Investment rates negatively but insignificantly influence equity returns (β = -0.32, p > 0.05). The result is consistent with the research of Carlson et al (2004), Zhang (2017), and Clementi and Palazzo (2019).…”

“…Another predictor of equity return used in this study is net investment rate. Net investment refers to the net value of property, plant, and equipment after depreciation for each year (Clementi & Palazzo, 2019;Obreja, 2015;Zhang, 2017). The firm size used as another predictor of the equity return is proxied by the natural logarithm of the total market capitalization of the respective sample companies following Banz (1981).…”

“…Backing literature Investment rate -High-investment firms have low expected returns (Carlson et al, 2004;Cooper, 2006;Gala, 2006;Clementi & Palazzo, 2019;Obreja, 2015;Zhang, 2017).…”

Students’ Defense Mechanisms and Coping Strategies in Terms of COVID-19 Pandemic

“…While escape-avoidance by mentally distancing oneself from it, or rationally reducing its significance for oneself, these subjects have the least. However, they, like sample 2, do not tend to rely on support, compassion or effective help of others (it is possible that their future professions teach them to help others; although Zhang and Guo (2017) emphasize the need to seek social support in difficult life situations, and Fluharty and Fancourt (2021) believe that some of the problems associated with COVID-19 were related to the lack of use of social support).…”

Existential experiences and perceptions of death among children with terminal cancer: An interpretative qualitative study

“…23 According to the balance principle of the mental energy and mental defense mechanism, the pent-up energy needs to be released. 24 Death anxiety in children breaks out on a large scale as they grow older, and the dying child often closed himself in solitude. 25,26 In our study, participants, particularly adolescents, reported feelings of loneliness and loss of control.…”