Differences in Defense Mechanisms between Depressive Patients and Non-Depressive Individuals (SHORT REPORT)

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the defense mechanisms used by depressive patients and non-depressive individuals. A sample of 60 individuals consisting of two groups was taken. One group was of 30 diagnosed patients with depression having an equal number of men (n=15) and women (n=15) and the other was of 30 non-depressive individuals (15 men, 15 women). Seven cards were selected from the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) and administered on both depressive patients and non-depressive individuals. Results revealed that depressive patients used more immature defense mechanisms, i.e projection, isolation, denial, displacement, rationalization, somatization, dissociation and passive aggression than non-depressive individuals, who used more mature defense mechanisms i.e sublimation, humor, anticipation and suppression than clinical patients. No gender differences were observed in both non-depressive individuals and depressive patients on mature and immature defense mechanisms.