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

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Aafjes-Van Doorn ◽  
Vera Békés ◽  
Xiaochen Luo ◽  
Tracy A. Prout ◽  
Leon Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Vicarious Trauma ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Defense Style ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Professional Self

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.

Relationship between defense mechanisms and psychopathic traits in an Internet sample

2021 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-282
Author(s):  
Sandra Weber ◽  
William H. Gottdiener ◽  
Cordelia Chou
Keyword(s):  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Psychopathic Traits ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychopathic Personality ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Personality Profile ◽  
Defense Style ◽  
Defense Style Questionnaire ◽  
Internet Sample

The authors compared the defense mechanisms used by a community sample of people with and without self-reported psychopathic traits. Defense mechanisms were assessed using the Defense Style Questionnaire-60 and psychopathy was assessed using the Levinson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale in a sample of 225 adults recruited on the Internet. Results found that people with self-reported psychopathy traits used significantly more immature and neurotic defense mechanisms than people without a psychopathic personality profile. All participants reported equal use of mature defenses.

Women Addiction (Alcohol and Opiates) and Defense Mechanism Style

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Raketic ◽  
M. Kovacevic ◽  
T. Djuric
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Diagnosis ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Defense Style ◽  
Defense Style Questionnaire ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Opiate Addicts

Very few researches concerning women addictions are done up to day. This paper tries to define basic similarities and differences in defense mechanisms used by women alcohol and opiate addicts.Method:Sample of alcohol and opiate female addicts (30 patients in each group) plus control group (30 women) with no psychiatric diagnosis were questioned with Defense Style Questionnaire - DSQ 40 (Andrews, Singh, Bond, 1993).Results:There were found no statistically relevant differences between two experimental and one control group concerning mature defense mechanism use. Significant differences were found in neurotic and immature defense mechanism use: alcohol addicts use prevalently neurotic mechanisms and immature mechanisms prevail among opiate addicts.Conclusions:In our research mostly used neurotic defense mechanisms by alcohol addicts were: pseudoaltruism, idealization, and undoing. The mostly used immature defense mechanisms among opiate addicts were: phantasy, isolation, devaluation, denial and splitting.

scholarly journals Can the factor structure of Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) contribute to our understanding of parental acceptance/rejection, bullying, victimization and perceived well-being in Greek early adolescents?

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodoros Giovazolias ◽  
Evangelia Karagiannopoulou ◽  
Effrosyni Mitsopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Parental Acceptance ◽  
Bullying Victimization ◽  
School Students ◽  
Defense Style ◽  
Defense Style Questionnaire ◽  
Convergent And Discriminant Validity

Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) is a self-report instrument designed to measure defense mechanisms. Although commonly used, the DSQ-40 has not been validated in early adolescent populations. The present study sought to determine the factor validity of the DSQ-40 in a sample of Greek primary school students (N = 265). Further, it aimed to investigate the relationship between defense mechanisms and perceived parental acceptance/rejection, the participation in bullying (either as bully or victim) as well as self-reported well being. Participants completed the Greek version of DSQ-40, adapted for use by this particular age group as well as measures in order to examine its convergent and discriminant validity. The findings support a four-factor solution as the most adequate for our data. Further, it was found that defense mechanisms are related to perceived parental acceptance and rejection. Finally, the results showed that the DSQ-40 can effectively discriminate participants with high/low bullying/victimization and perceived well-being. Our results indicate that the DSQ-40 is appropriate for use in late childhood. Implications for clinical practice and future studies that would confirm the appropriateness of the scale’s use in younger populations are also discussed.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Defense Mechanisms and Attachment as Measured by Observer-Rated Methods in a Sample of Depressed Patients: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Békés ◽  
Katie Aafjes-van Doorn ◽  
Daniel Spina ◽  
Alessandro Talia ◽  
Claire J. Starrs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Early Phase ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Late Phase ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Depressed Patients ◽  
Preoccupied Attachment ◽  
The Relationship

Despite many theoretical and clinical writings, the theorized connection between defense mechanisms and adult attachment in depressed patients has received little empirical attention. This is the first study to examine patients’ defense mechanisms in relation to their attachment in a clinical sample of depressed patients and also the first to use observer-rated measures for assessing both defense mechanisms and attachment. In this pilot study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between patients’ attachment and their use of defense mechanisms in psychotherapy sessions, as well as patterns of change over treatment. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of 30 patients receiving psychotherapy for major depression. Session transcripts were previously coded for defense mechanisms using the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales, and depression severity data were collected by the clinician-rated HRSD-17 and the self-report BDI-II. Patients’ attachment was assessed in two transcripts, one in an early session and a second in a late session, using the novel observer-rated Patient Attachment Coding System. In contrast with expectations, in the early phase of therapy, preoccupied attachment-related characteristics were significantly positively related to overall defensive functioning and negatively related to Depressive immature defenses. In the late phase of treatment, preoccupied attachment-related characteristics were negatively correlated with Non-depressive immature defenses. Moreover, as expected, early-phase defense use was related to late phase attachment; specifically, early neurotic and immature Depressive and Non-depressive defenses predicted an increase in avoidant, whereas immature Non-depressive defenses predicted a decrease in preoccupied attachment-related characteristics over the course of treatment, after controlling for early attachment effects. The results imply a longitudinal relationship between defenses and change in attachment-related characteristics over the course of treatment in a depressed sample and warrant further research about the relationship between defenses and attachment during psychotherapy.

scholarly journals Assessing children’s defense mechanisms with the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales Q-sort for Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe ◽  
Tracy A. Prout ◽  
Lauren Ammar ◽  
Thomas Kui ◽  
Ciro Conversano
Keyword(s):  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Child Psychotherapy ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Defensive Functioning ◽  
Mental Health Literature ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Q Sort

Defense mechanisms are unconscious and automatic psychological processes that serve to protect the individual from painful emotions and thoughts. There is ample evidence from the adult psychotherapy and mental health literature suggesting the salience of defenses in the maintenance and amelioration of psychological distress. Although several tools for the assessment of children’s defenses exist, most rely on projective and self-report tools, and none are based on the empirically derived hierarchy of defenses. This paper outlines the development of the defense mechanisms rating scale Q-sort for children (DMRS-Q-C), a 60-item, observer-rated tool for coding the use of defenses in child psychotherapy sessions. Modifications to the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scale Q-Sort for adults to create a developmentally relevant measure and the process by which expert child psychotherapists collaborated to develop the DMRS-Q-C are discussed. A clinical vignette describing the child’s defensive functioning as assessed by the innovative DMRS-Q-C method is also reported. Finally, we provide an overview of forthcoming research evaluating the validity of the DMRS-Q-C.

scholarly journals Preliminary Reliability and Validity of the DMRS-SR-30, a Novel Self-Report Measure Based on the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe ◽  
John Christopher Perry ◽  
Matilde Lucchesi ◽  
Monica Michelini ◽  
Sara Vitiello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Report Measure

Development of the Psychologist and Counsellor Self-Efficacy Scale

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 485-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen M.G. Watt ◽  
John Ehrich ◽  
Sandra E. Stewart ◽  
Tristan Snell ◽  
Micaela Bucich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
National Standards ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Competency Frameworks ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Professional Self ◽  
Multi Method Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a professional self-efficacy scale for counsellors and psychologists encompassing identified competencies within professional standards from national and related international frameworks for psychologists and counsellors. Design/methodology/approach An initial opportune sample of postgraduate psychology and counselling students (n=199) completed a ten-minute self-report survey. A subsequent independent sample (n=213) was recruited for cross-validation. Findings A series of exploratory analyses, consolidated through confirmatory factor analyses and Rasch analysis, identified a well-functioning scale composed of 31 items and five factors (research, ethics, legal matters, assessment and measurement, intervention). Originality/value The Psychologist and Counsellor Self-Efficacy Scale (PCES) appears a promising measure, with potential applications for reflective learning and practice, clinical supervision and professional development, and research studies involving psychologists’ and counsellors’ self-perceived competencies. It is unique in being ecologically grounded in national competency frameworks, and extending previous work on self-efficacy for particular competencies to the set of specified attributes outlined in Australian national competency documents. The PCES has potential utility in a variety of applications, including research about training efficacy and clinical supervision, and could be used as one component of a multi-method approach to formative and summative competence assessment for psychologists and counsellors. The scale may be used to assess students’ perceived competencies relative to actual competency growth against national standards, and to identify trainees’ and practitioners’ self-perceived knowledge deficits and target areas for additional training.

scholarly journals Defense Mechanisms in Adolescents at High Risk of Developing Psychosis: An Empirical Investigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tommaso Boldrini ◽  
Gabriele Lo Buglio ◽  
Guido Giovanardi ◽  
Vittorio Lingiardi ◽  
Silvia Salcuni
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Ultra High Risk ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Not At Risk ◽  
The Relationship

Research within psychotherapy and psychopathology frameworks has been inspired by the central concept of defense mechanisms, which play a pivotal role in psychoanalysis. Defense specificities have only recently been studied systematically in the context of several clinical diagnoses. The present study aimed to explore the specificities of defense mechanisms in adolescents at ultra-high risk of developing psychosis and test the relationship between defensive functioning and attenuated psychotic symptoms. Twenty-six adolescent inpatients at ultra-high risk of developing psychosis and a matched clinical control group of inpatients not at risk of psychosis were interviewed. Two observer-rater methods, the Defense Mechanism Rating Scales and the Psychotic-Defense Mechanism Rating Scales were applied to interview transcripts to assess the individual use of defenses. Ultra-high-risk patients demonstrated lower defense mechanisms (i.e., total instances of defense mechanisms observed) and lower overall adaptiveness of the defenses presented. When specific differences between groups were observed, psychotic defenses were the sole defenses that could partially discriminate between ultra-high-risk and not at-risk patients. Regarding the relationship between defense mechanisms and subthreshold psychotic symptoms, psychotic defenses were associated with negative and disorganization symptoms, rather than with positive symptoms. The psychological vulnerability of ultra-high-risk patients is discussed and treatment implications for psychotherapy with such challenging patients are addressed.

scholarly journals Defense Mechanisms and Treatment Response in Depressed Inpatients

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves de Roten ◽  
Slimane Djillali ◽  
Fabienne Crettaz von Roten ◽  
Jean-Nicolas Despland ◽  
Gilles Ambresin
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Response ◽  
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Symptomatic Improvement ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Therapy Program ◽  
Defensive Functioning

The study investigated the extent to which defensive functioning and defense mechanisms predict clinically meaningful symptomatic improvement within brief psychodynamic psychotherapy for recurrent and chronic depression in an inpatient setting. Treatment response was defined as a reduction in symptom severity of 46% or higher from the baseline score on the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). A subsample of 41 patients (19 responders and 22 non-responders) from an RCT was included. For each case, two sessions (the second and the penultimate) of brief inpatient psychodynamic psychotherapy (a manualized 12-session therapy program developed in Lausanne) were transcribed and then coded using the Defense Mechanism Rating Scales (DMRS) and the Psychotic Defense Mechanism Rating Scales (P-DMRS), an additional scale developed to study psychotic defenses. Results showed that defensive functioning and mature and immature defense changed during psychotherapy and predicted treatment response. Patient’s defenses observed throughout therapy also predicted treatment response at 12-month follow-up. The addition of psychotic defenses allows a better prediction of the treatment response. Overall, these results are in line with previous research and provide further validation of defensive functioning as a predictor of outcomes and a mechanism of change in psychotherapy.

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