Investigating the Basics and Principles of Defense Mechanisms and Integrative Self-Knowledge

Defense mechanisms refer to psychological strategies used unconsciously by one to protect oneself against anxiety from unacceptable thoughts and feelings.The goal of the present study was to investigate the basics and principles of defense mechanisms and integrative self-knowledge. The study method was descriptive-analytical, and library sources were used. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between defense mechanisms and some related variables, types of defense mechanisms, and integrative self-knowledge. Studies have indicated that integrative self-knowledge affects the selection and function of emotion-regulation and stress-coping methods by analyzing past experiences and momentary awareness of psychological states, and the content analysis of peoples’ current experiences, and for this, it affects mental health. Integrative self-knowledge is a sign of mental health. Using ineffective defense mechanisms could threaten mental health. When facing stressful conditions, using ineffective defense mechanisms threatens mental health and brings about undesirable consequences. Defense mechanisms are associated with the signs of depression, anxiety and sleeplessness, somatic symptoms, and dysfunctional social action.