AP Psychology Health & Stress Terminology

AP Psychology Health & Stress Terminology Approach/Avoidance Conflict one of Kurt Lewin's basic types of conflict; conflict dilemma where an individual is both attracted to and repelled by the same goal; the most common form of conflict; there is both good and bad about the goal; the tendency to avoid increases as an individual gets closer to the goal Confrontation a direct coping skill; acknowledging to oneself that there is a problem for which a solution must be found, attacking the problem head-on, and pushing resolutely towards one's goals; can include expressions of anger Displacement defense mechanism; shifting repressed motives from one object to another object; Example: angry at this instructor's unreasonable request, Nelson yells at his mother instead of confronting his instructor. Identification defense mechanism; taking on characteristics of someone else to avoid feeling incompetent; Example: Anthony, uncertain of his own attractiveness, takes on this dress and mannerisms of a popular teacher. Regression defense mechanism; reverting to childlike behavior and defenses; Example: Angry because his plan to reorganize his division has been rejected, Bob throws a tantrum. Intellectualization defense mechanism; thinking abstractly about stressful problems as a way of detaching oneself from them; Example: After learning that she has not been asked to a classmate's costume party, Tina coolly discusses how social cliques control school life. Reaction Formation defense mechanism; expression of exaggerated ideas and emotions that are the opposite of one's repressed beliefs or feelings; Example: At work, Michael loudly states that he would never take advantage of a rival, though his behavior indicates the opposite.