Increase your self-esteem by understanding how we use tactics to manage strong feelings (1 minute read)

This post “Increase your self-esteem by understanding how we use tactics to manage strong feelings” continues with how you can increase your self-esteem by managing your thoughts and feelings.

Increase your self-esteem by understanding how we use tactics to manage strong feelings:

All defense mechanisms are effective but to varying degrees in managing uncomfortable inner conflicts, feelings and thoughts.

The various defense mechanisms differ greatly in their consequences for long-term adaptation to life. That is, how well they help us manage our important relationships and cope with what happens in life.

The psychiatrist Vaillant identified levels of defense varying from immature to mature mirroring potential psychological development in humans.

Level I: Psychotic, pathological defenses. This level is characterized by a pronounced break with objective reality as in psychosis. This is not common among healthy adults, but can be used when under extreme pressure:

Level II: Immature, narcissistic defenses: They annoy the observer, but comforts the user

Level III: Intermediate, neurotic defenses: They cause the user more discomfort than the observer

Level IV: Mature, empathic defenses. They result in optimal balance and hence adaptation among conflicting motives when managing stressors. They usually maximize gratification and allow the conscious awareness of feelings, thoughts and consequences.

More about how you can increase your self-esteem in the next post.

See also the free blog or the course How to develop self-esteem and boost your confidence at https://jennyrappbefree.com