Defense Mechanisms as Tools to Avert Childhood Trauma of Psychology Students in Bestlink College of the Philippines
Vol. 3, No. 2
Abstract
According to Psychoanalytic theory, when a person experiences stressor, the subconscious mind will first monitor the situation to see if it might harm. So, Defense mechanisms act as a psychological shield to block stress. Past trauma could lead to psychological distress. However, the role of Defense mechanism may play in the process. This descriptive research was conducted to find out the Common Defense Mechanisms of the Students in Bestlink College of the Philippines. Questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study consists of 1st year to 4th year psychology major students. Through the process of purposive sampling, a total number of one-hundred 100 students were selected to participate in the study. The major instrument used for gathering data was a survey questionnaire. The data gathered were analyzed using percentages and weighted mean. It was discovered based on the analysis that most of the respondents are seen to be using defense mechanisms to cope and protect their ego. As a result, the common stressor that the respondents encountered are Abuse, Neglect, Death of a loved one, Natural Disaster, Serious Illness, Accidents, Dysfunctional Home Environment, and Dysfunctional Social Environment. While the common defense mechanisms are Denial, Repression, Displacement, Intellectualization, and Suppression. Through the process of this paper, the researcher can see the real problem occurring in each situation of respondents. There is a need for attention and guidance to those who are facing this kind of problem. Social communication is about creating strong relationships and providing a sense of meaning and belonging. They should be a source of unconditional love and a source for all of us to wither life's changes and challenges. In healthy families’ children can learn what it means to be a happily married woman or man, along with the qualities of a good person.
