in general terms anger is a mild representation of the instinctive animal rage that exists at an unconscious level in the the id. this animal rage is potentially so strong that it could overwhelm the rational controlling processes that form the ego:the person fears that he or she will lose control. the danger of being overwhelmed is experienced as anxiety or fear.
in order to avoid anxiety and maintain its controlling function, the e.g.o may protect itself using a variety of defensive maneuvers or mechanisms.these mechanisms operate at an unconscious level so that person is not aware that they have come into operation. they occur spontaneously and automatically.
below are some examples of defense mechanisms and illustrations of their use. these are are only limited sample of a very wied rang (once and plutchkin,1995).figure 8.2 gives a diagrammatic picture of how they function.