The relationship between defense mechanisms and religious coping using a new two-factor solution for the Defense Style Questionnaire-40

Initial validation of the Turkish version of the defense mechanisms rating scales-self-report-30

The Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales-Self Report-30 (DMRS-SR-30) was recently developed to add a self-report alternative to the assessment of defenses, reflecting their generally accepted hierarchical organization. In this study, we aimed to examine psychometric properties and factor structure of the Turkish language version of the DMRS-SR-30. The sample consisted of 1.002 participants who filled out a survey comprising the DMRS-SR-30, the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Inventory of Personality Organization through Qualtrics. Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated a three-factor structure (CFI = 0.89, RMSEA = 0.05) that confirms the DMRS theoretical frame with a relatively acceptable fit. Defensive categories and total scale scores showed good to excellent reliability (α values ranging from 0.64 to 0.89). Correlations between defenses, symptoms, and personality functioning demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity. The individuals with clinically significant BSI scores (T-score ≥ 63) differed on the DMRS-SR-30 scores from the individuals in the non-clinical range. The Turkish version of the DMRS-SR-30 is a reliable and valid instrument to self-assess the hierarchy of defense mechanisms and overall defensive functioning. Moreover, the current study supports the validity of the tripartite model of defenses in a language and culture different from the origins of the DMRS and DMRS-SR-30.

Psychometric Properties of the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales-Self-Report-30 (DMRS-SR-30): Internal Consistency, Validity and Factor Structure

Assessment of defense mechanisms has a longstanding history within the clinical psychology and psychopathology literature. Despite their centrality to clinical practice, there are few self-report measures that assess defenses and, those that do exist, have limitations in addressing individual defenses and levels of defensive functioning. To address this need, we investigated the psychometric properties of the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scale - Self-Report - 30 item (DMRS-SR-30) with a global, community sample of 1,539 participants who responded to an online survey about distress and coping. Exploratory factor analysis found a three-factor model for the DMRS-SR-30 - mature, mental inhibition and avoidance, and immature-depressive. Internal consistency was high for the Overall Defensive Functioning (ODF) and the three extracted factors with coefficient alphas ranging from .75 to .90. Examination of concurrent validity with a commonly used measure of defensive functioning found significant relationships in the predicted directions. The group of immature defenses had the strongest concurrent validity (r = .50). Finally, correlations with external criteria - including psychological distress and adverse childhood experiences - supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the DMRS-SR-30. The three factor structure of the DMRS-SR-30 has good psychometric properties. Limitations and directions for future research, as well as clinical implications, are described.

What Do Therapist Defense Mechanisms Have to Do With Their Experience of Professional Self-Doubt and Vicarious Trauma During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

This is the first study to examine psychotherapists' levels of defense mechanisms, their concurrent relationship with professional work-related stress (professional self-doubt and vicarious trauma), and how their levels of defense mechanisms predict the changes in these professional stresses over the course of 3 months since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from two online studies (Study 1; N = 105 and Study 2; N = 336), using two self-report measures of therapists' defense mechanisms (Defense Style Questionnaire-40 in Study 1 and Defense Mechanism Rating Scales Self-Report-30 in Study 2), are presented. Therapists reported higher levels of mature defense mechanisms, and lower levels of immature defense mechanisms, compared to published community and clinical populations assessed before and during the pandemic. Therapists' lower level of mature defense mechanisms and higher levels of neurotic and immature defense mechanisms were related to higher concurrent levels of vicarious trauma and professional doubt. Therapists who reported higher levels of mature defense mechanisms at 3-month follow-up showed less vicarious trauma and professional self-doubt at follow-up, after controlling for these professional stressors at baseline. Implications for clinical supervision and training are discussed. The context and professional challenges during the pandemic are unique and future replications of the results outside the pandemic context are warranted.

Does Psychosocial Ego Development Partially Mediate the Association Between Defense Mechanisms and Death Attitude?

Some authors suggest the existence of links between the mechanisms of defense and attitude toward death, however, mechanisms underlying these relationships are not well understood. The objective of the present research was to investigate whether psychosocial ego development is a partial mediator in the association between mechanisms of defense and death attitude. The study included participants (N = 382) aged 19-85 (M = 47.02, SD = 16.19). Three measures were used: Defense Style Questionnaire-40, Psychosocial Inventory of Ego Strengths, and Death Attitude Profile-Revised. Findings partly confirmed the hypotheses. Psychosocial ego development is a partial mediator in positive relationships between maladaptive defenses and fear of death, death avoidance, and escape acceptance. Psychosocial ego development is also a partial mediator in the positive association between more adaptive defenses and approach acceptance. The study provides novel information on the mechanisms underlying the association between defense mechanisms and multidimensional death attitude.

Attitude Toward Death From the Perspective of Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Ego Development: An Unused Potential

The aim of the article is to design a conceptual framework within the theory of psychosocial ego development that will allow for a better understanding and explanation of attitude toward death in the life cycle. The main weaknesses of previous studies on death attitude were examined; Erikson's concept may help exceed these limitations. The use of the model of hierarchy of defense mechanisms to study death attitude within Erikson's theory was proposed. The concept of the death complex was mentioned to better conceptualize the problem of attitude toward death as a part of the psychosocial theory. Finally, the evolution of attitude toward death in the consecutive phases of psychosocial development was discussed in the light of the concept of syntonic and dystonic ego features, as well as death complex, defense mechanisms, and psychosexual modes.