Do defense mechanisms involve self-deception?

Defense mechanisms indeed involve self-deception as they are unconscious processes employed by individuals to protect themselves from anxiety or uncomfortable feelings. These mechanisms distort reality in some way, allowing a person to avoid facing uncomfortable truths or internal conflicts. For instance, when someone uses denial, they are essentially deceiving themselves about a fact or situation that is distressing.

Self-deception serves as a safeguard against the emotional impact of certain thoughts or experiences, which might be too painful or anxiety-inducing to confront directly. By engaging in self-deception, individuals can maintain a sense of psychological equilibrium in the face of stressors or conflicts. Therefore, the acknowledgment of self-deception inherent in defense mechanisms highlights the complex ways in which our minds work to shield us from psychological distress.