For example, the occasional use of defense mechanisms is normal and helps reduce conflict and anxiety so we
can continue to function as we work on the real cause of our anxiety.
However, the overuse of defense mechanisms may prevent us from recognizing or working on the real causes of
our anxiety. !ere is growing scientific evidence that we do indeed use unconscious defense mechanisms much as
Freud theorized, which is to reduce anxiety and conflict. In fact, many of us have a dominant or most-often-used defense mechanism, which may be effective in reducing short-term but not necessarily long-term anxiety (M. C. Anderson, 2009d; Cramer, 2003, 2006).