NUR 214 (Mental Health - Ego Defense Mechanisms) Questions with
Correct Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: Compensation
Answer: Covering up weaknesses by emphasizing a more desirable trait or by overachievement in a more
comfortable area
Question 2: Denial
Answer: Attempting to screen or ignore unacceptable realities by refusing to acknowledge them
Question 3: Displacement
Answer: Transferring or discharging emotional reactions from one object or person to another object or
person
Question 4: Identification
Answer: Attempting to manage anxiety by imitating the behavior of someone feared or respected
Question 5: Intellectualization
Answer: Evading the emotional response that normally would accompany an uncomfortable or painful
incident by using rational explanations that remove from the incident any personal significance and feelings
Question 6: Introjection
Answer: Allows for the acceptance of others' norms and values into oneself, even when contrary to one's
previous assumptions
Question 7: Minimization
Answer: Not acknowledging the significance of one's behavior
Question 8: Projection
Answer: Blaming others or the environment for unacceptable desires, thoughts, shortcomings, and mistakes
Question 9: Rationalization
Answer: Justifying certain behaviors by faulty logic and ascription of motives that are socially acceptable
but did not in fact inspire the behavior
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Correct Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: Compensation
Answer: Covering up weaknesses by emphasizing a more desirable trait or by overachievement in a more
comfortable area
Question 2: Denial
Answer: Attempting to screen or ignore unacceptable realities by refusing to acknowledge them
Question 3: Displacement
Answer: Transferring or discharging emotional reactions from one object or person to another object or
person
Question 4: Identification
Answer: Attempting to manage anxiety by imitating the behavior of someone feared or respected
Question 5: Intellectualization
Answer: Evading the emotional response that normally would accompany an uncomfortable or painful
incident by using rational explanations that remove from the incident any personal significance and feelings
Question 6: Introjection
Answer: Allows for the acceptance of others' norms and values into oneself, even when contrary to one's
previous assumptions
Question 7: Minimization
Answer: Not acknowledging the significance of one's behavior
Question 8: Projection
Answer: Blaming others or the environment for unacceptable desires, thoughts, shortcomings, and mistakes
Question 9: Rationalization
Answer: Justifying certain behaviors by faulty logic and ascription of motives that are socially acceptable
but did not in fact inspire the behavior
Page 1