# Psychological Defense Mechanisms This repository provides a comprehensive and structured collection of information on psychological defense mechanisms. The information is organized based on George Vaillant's hierarchical model of defense mechanisms, which classifies them into four levels from pathological to mature. ## Structure The repository is organized as follows: * **`Defense Mechanisms Index.md`**: This file serves as the main index, listing all the defense mechanisms categorized into Vaillant's four levels. Each entry links to a detailed markdown file for that specific mechanism. * **Individual Defense Mechanism Files**: Each defense mechanism has its own markdown file (e.g., `Denial.md`, `Intellectualization.md`). These files provide in-depth information on the following 11 points: 1. **Academic Definition** 2. **Theoretical Basis (from a psychoanalytic perspective)** 3. **Academic Debates and Controversies** 4. **Empirical Research and Findings** 5. **Clinical Manifestations and Case Studies** 6. **Comparative Analysis with Related Defense Mechanisms** 7. **Neuropsychological Correlates** 8. **Cross-Cultural Differences** 9. **Interpersonal and Social Functions** 10. **Lifespan Development Aspects** 11. **Therapeutic Implications and Intervention Strategies** ## George Vaillant's Classification George Vaillant's model provides a framework for understanding the relative maturity and adaptiveness of defense mechanisms. The four levels are: 1. **Level 1: Pathological Defenses**: These are the most primitive and reality-distorting mechanisms, often associated with psychosis. 2. **Level 2: Immature Defenses**: These are common in adolescents and adults with personality disorders and are associated with less effective coping. 3. **Level 3: Neurotic Defenses**: These are common in adults and are more mature than the previous levels, but can still lead to long-term problems. 4. **Level 4: Mature Defenses**: These are the healthiest and most adaptive mechanisms, associated with successful and fulfilling lives. ## Contribution This repository is an ongoing project. Contributions are welcome to help complete and enhance the information provided.