Students identify defense mechanisms in various psychological scenarios on an educational worksheet.

- The first passage describes a defense mechanism. The key phrase is “Eduard was usually calmed... by the thought that he was not alone.” This shows he is using rationalization to justify his fear and make it seem more acceptable or less threatening.
- The second passage describes a defense mechanism. The key phrase is “When he began to feel guilty... he would turn his anger, among other things, into jokes.” This is an example of displacement, where he redirects his anger from its original source (his guilt) onto something else (making jokes).
- The third passage describes a defense mechanism. The key phrase is “The students were so frightened... they decided to act as if nothing had happened.” This is denial, where they refuse to acknowledge the reality of the frightening situation.
- The fourth passage describes a defense mechanism. The key phrase is “Though Thomas has no real talent for singing... he insists on singing loudly.” This is compensation, where he tries to make up for his lack of talent by overemphasizing another aspect (singing loudly).
- The fifth passage describes a defense mechanism. The key phrase is “They would have been better off if they had just admitted... but instead, they blamed others.” This is projection, where they attribute their own feelings or faults (fear, failure) to others.
- The sixth passage describes a defense mechanism. The key phrase is “While serving in Afghanistan... he commanded a section to secure a small village.” This is reaction formation, where he acts in a way opposite to his true feelings (perhaps fear or doubt) by being overly aggressive or commanding.
- The seventh passage describes a defense mechanism. The key phrase is “Even though he gets angry... he does not show it.” This is repression, where he unconsciously pushes down his anger and doesn’t express it.
- The eighth passage describes a defense mechanism. The key phrase is “He did not want to admit... so he convinced himself that the phone call was unimportant.” This is rationalization, where he creates a logical-sounding excuse to avoid facing the truth.
- The ninth passage describes a defense mechanism. The key phrase is “She felt guilty... so she started helping others.” This is sublimation, where she channels her guilt into socially acceptable behavior (helping others).
- The tenth passage describes a defense mechanism. The key phrase is “Saddam was known for his cruelty... He often used repression to silence those who opposed him.” This is repression, where he suppresses dissent and opposition through force.