§ Separation of feelings from ideas and events, for example, describing a murder with graphic details with no emotional response.

§ Rationalization (making excuses): Where a person convinces him or herself that no wrong was done and that all is or was all right through faulty and false reasoning

§ Reaction formation: Converting unconscious wishes or impulses that are perceived to be dangerous into their opposites; behavior that is completely the opposite of what one really wants or feels; taking the opposite belief because the true belief causes anxiety.

§ Regression: Temporary reversion of the ego to an earlier stage of development rather than handling unacceptable impulses in a more adult way.

§ Repression: The process of attempting to repel desires towards pleasurable instincts, caused by a threat of suffering if the desire is satisfied

§ Undoing: A person tries to 'undo' an unhealthy, destructive or otherwise threatening thought by engaging in contrary behavior.

§ Withdrawal: Withdrawal is a more severe form of defense. It entails removing oneself from events, stimuli, interactions, etc… that could remind one of painful thoughts and feelings.

§ Altruism: Constructive service to others that brings pleasure and personal satisfaction.

§ Anticipation: Realistic planning for future discomfort.

§ Humor: Overt expression of ideas and feelings (especially those that are unpleasant to focus on or too terrible to talk about) that gives pleasure to others. Identification: The unconscious modeling of one's self upon another person's character and behavior.

§ Introjection: Identifying with some idea or object so deeply that it becomes a part of that person.

§ Sublimation: Transformation of negative emotions or instincts into positive actions, behavior, or emotion.

§ Thought suppression: The conscious process of pushing thoughts into the preconscious; the conscious decision to delay paying attention to an emotion or need in order to cope with the present reality; making it possible to later access uncomfortable or distressing emotions while accepting them.