What Is a Protection Mechanism?

Self-protection mechanism generally works unconsciously, but if we can use it consciously, it can make people live relatively easily in a new role. Although it has a side of self-deception, it is indeed a weapon of psychological self-protection and has a positive effect on mental health.

Self-protection mechanism

Self-protection mechanism is when

1 Involving self-related motivational processes

From the processing mechanism, it can be seen that the two self-protection methods mentioned above have their broader applicability and can effectively achieve certain self-related mechanical processes-"self-verification" (also known as self-verification) And self-enhancement (Dunning, 1995; Pervin, 2001). The two processing methods of memory neglect and self-immunity show that individuals value their own advantages and despise their disadvantages through appropriate manipulation of self-associated information, thus It plays a protective role in self-concept. Among them, memory neglect is a selective refinement of information. On the basis of ensuring self-consistency, the leading motivation should be self-enhancement: trying to find information to maintain and improve self-esteem; Immunity is a strategic re-evaluation of information on the basis of receiving facts to ensure the dynamic stability of the self-concept. The motivation should be self-consistent in nature: trying to find a consensus between self-cognition and the information obtained , And the self-enhancement that may accompany it is only a by-product. It can be seen that both are rationalized Heng strategy is effective "real optimism" approach.

2 Future research directions

At present, there are still many problems to be solved in the research in this field. Among them, the functional limitations of memory neglect and autoimmunity and the prerequisites for such effects need to be further tested.

First, compared with other alternative methods of self-protection (such as denial, excuses, excuses, etc.), is it that memory neglect or self-immunity will only function and become necessary only after these (priority) means have lost their effectiveness. How about it? Current research requires empirical evidence. In addition, for the same information scenario, what factors will determine whether individuals use memory neglect or autoimmune processing? For example, is it easier for immune function to perform its basic role when a defect representing a specific skill is perceived as permanent rather than transient (for example, short-term memory decline with age)?

Second, there are still many situations in real life that are consistent with situations that trigger self-protection (for example, exposure to negative self-relevant information). Individuals do not perform memory neglect or self-immune processing, but rather deal with these self-realities accurately Conceptual threatening information. For example, when teachers face constructive criticism about their teaching ability, they are more inclined to remember these criticisms and attach great importance to them. These scenarios need further attention in future research. A good explanation for this phenomenon is that when the subsequent function of such information is greater than the harm caused by its potential threat, people are more willing to pay attention to it, such as: teaching ability should be a plastic feature, then Attaching importance to such constructive criticism and feedback can better promote self-improvement of teaching ability through efforts.

Third, at present, there is an explainable cognitive processing mechanism model for memory neglect, but as mentioned before, it still needs to be improved; most of the autoimmune phenomena have been suspended for measurement research through self-assessment reports, and have not For more detailed experimental research from the perspective of processing mechanism, solving such problems requires further reference to the cognitive theory of self-representation, especially regarding the self-assessment, motivation, cognitive connections between traits and skills.

Fourth, after clarifying the influence of the characteristics of the information itself on memory neglect and autoimmune processing, existing studies have further examined the different personality characteristics of the information receivers themselves and the differences in the implementation of their self-protection mechanisms at the time. . Some studies have shown that in terms of memory neglect, people with high self-esteem tend to have low self-esteem (Shi Wei, Huang Xiting, 2007; Tian Lumei, Zhang Xiangkui, 2008), and self-derogation (ego-deflation) tends to ego-inflation ( Green, Sedikides, & Gregg, 2008), Repressors are prone to sensitizers (Ashley & Holtgraves, 2003), Depressed people are prone to pleasure (Trope & Neter, 1994; Trope & Pomerantz, 1998); but Studies on the influence of emotional states at the time (Shi Wei, Huang Xiting, 2008) have also reached inconsistent conclusions: the memory neglect effect of self-esteem is the result of trait self-esteem rather than temporary mood. In addition, in terms of autoimmunity, studies (Greve, Enzmann, & Hosser, 2001) have concluded that if adolescents serving prison sentences have strong autoimmunity and adaptability, their self-esteem stability is also strong.

Fifth, many of the above-mentioned functions of the two self-protection methods do not mention the possible adverse effects of their actions. In fact, regardless of the function of memory neglect or self-immunity, this kind of self-protection only allows to establish an effective link between self-stability and realistic feedback within a certain range. Once this limit is exceeded, then This kind of "extreme" neglect or immunity can lead to functional dysfunction in individuals (expressed as knowing their own major weaknesses but not paying attention or acknowledging their importance), and breaking this stubbornness may be to obtain Prerequisites for successful psychological intervention and treatment. Therefore, we should discuss further, under what circumstances will memory neglect and self-immunity reach their functional limits? Once the limit is exceeded, how will its function change, and how should the individual or the counselor respond effectively?