Defense mechanisms - Minor Image-Distorting Defense Level is an Immature Non depressive Level 4 ,Used to dismiss problems by distorting the image of self

1. Compiled by Col Mukteshwar Prasad(Retd),
MTech(IITD),CE(I),FIE(I),FIETE,FISLE,FInstOD,AMCSI
Contact -9007224278, e-mail –muktesh_prasad@yahoo.co.in
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Defense mechanisms- Minor Image-Distorting Defense
Level
(Immature Non depressive Level 4)
Used to dismiss problems by distorting the image of self

2. Minor Image-Distorting Defense Level:
Devaluation
 Definition
 The individual deals with emotional conflicts or
internal or external stressors by attributing
exaggeratedly negative qualities to oneself or
others.
 Function
 Refers to the use of derogatory, sarcastic, or
other negative statements about oneself or others
to boost self-esteem.
 Devaluation may fend off awareness of wishes or
the disappointment when wishes go unfulfilled.
 The negative comments about others usually
cover up a certain sense of vulnerability,
shame or worthlessness which the subject

3. Minor Image-Distorting Defense Level:
Idealization
 Definition
 The individual deals with emotional conflicts, or internal or
external stressors, by attributing exaggerated positive
qualities to self or others.
 Function
 In the defense of idealization, the subject describes real or
alleged relationships to others (including institutions, belief
systems, etc.) who are powerful, revered, important, etc.
 This usually serves as a source of gratification as well as
protection from feelings of powerlessness, unimportance,
worthlessness, and the like.
 The defense accomplishes a sort of alchemy of worthiness
by association.
 The subject believes certain others to be good and powerful
in an exaggerated way and while able to acknowledge
factual aspects of any faults or shortcomings in the
idealized person, they dismiss their significance, thereby
preserving a sterling image of the person, or object.

4. Minor Image-Distorting Defense Level:
Omnipotence
 Definition
 Omnipotence is a defense in which the subject responds to
emotional conflict or internal and external stressors by acting
superior to others, as if one possessed special powers or
abilities.
 Function
 This defense commonly protects the subject from a loss of self-
esteem that is a consequence whenever stressors trigger
feelings of disappointment, powerlessness, worthlessness,
and the like.
 Omnipotence subjectively minimizes the latter experiences,
although they may remain objectively obvious to others.
 Self-esteem is artificially propped up at the expense of
positively distorting one’s self-evaluation in response to
real experiences which bring up contrary feelings.