When the world disappoints us, giving up can feel strategic. Research on “lying flat” suggests it often deepens dissatisfaction. Meaning, not withdrawal, may be the better defense.

Understand these self-protective psychological processes. Defense mechanisms are psychological processes that someone unconsciously engages in to avoid discomfort, and there are several specific types ...

Defense mechanisms are primarily unconscious responses that allow people to protect themselves from anxious thoughts, strong feelings or emotions, unwanted impulses, or painful memories. They are ...

We all have little habits we’ve outgrown… or at least thought we did. Psychologists believe we all develop subtle coping patterns to deal with stress, conflict, and uncomfortable emotions. Some of us ...