Explores the nature and manifestations of defense mechanisms--repression, displacement, denial, etc. Traces ego defense theory and research from Freud's initial conceptualization through recent work in object-relations theory and other psychoanalytically-oriented approaches. Renowned contributors provide the rationale for their measurement techniques, describe them in detail, offer reliability and validity data along with illustrations of usefulness.

Not since Anna Freud's 1937 book, The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense, has any one volume explored this topic as fully as Ego Mechanisms of Defense by George E. Vaillant. By summarizing the latest empirical studies, proposing a universal language of defense mechanisms, and demonstrating how various assessment methods can be used in diagnosis, case formulation, and treatment, Dr. Vaillant and an interdisciplinary group of contributors provide the groundwork for clinical practice as well as future research in the field.

This book provides an in depth guide to Ego Defense Mechanisms and how they play out in life. IFantastic reading for those wanting to develop their understanding of the concept originally made famous by Freud. The book explains each mechanism and provides everyday examples of each. The book is written in easily understood language and set against a backdrop of adult education. It is an essential resource for everyone involved in adult education and for anyone wanting to get a better understanding of how our ego takes charge even when we don't know it has. It is about the lies we tell ourselves to ease the pain we feel. The book explains how much of our adult behaviour maybe as a result of childhood trauma. Those interested in self-help will find much of interest.

Significant developments within the past few years have made possible the publication of this rather large volume focusing on specific emotions of human experience, such as interest, joy, anger, distress, fear, shame, shyness, and guilt. The relevant events include new evidence on the relationship of emotions to cognitive processes and to personality traits and defense mechanisms. They also include discoveries relating to the biological foundations of emotions and theory regarding their significance in human evolution. Finally, there have been important findings on the role of emotions and emotion expressions in social relations, pain, grief, and psychopathology. These developments are elaborated in the pages of this volume. The contributors represent the disciplines of clinical, social, and experi mental psychology, psychiatry, and psychoanalysis. The contributions show important common themes that cut across disciplines, but they also reflect some differences that invite further thought and research. Above all, they add to our knowledge of human emotions and to our ability to understand and resolve human problems. The Department of Psychology of the University of Delaware has pro vided an excellent intellectual climate for work on a volume that ranges across several specialities and disciplines. Conversations with colleagues in the offices and hallways of Wolf Hall have provided answers to many questions. They also yielded some questions that compelled me to seek greater clarification of an issue.