Curious and Creative

Tag: philosophy

  • Does Spirituality or Religion Play a Part in Your Life?

    6/28/2025

    Have You Ever Asked Yourself, “Is there something more or bigger?”

    According to Elizabeth Scott, PhD, spirituality is a worldview that suggests a dimension to life beyond what we experience on the sensory and physical levels. It might entail religious or cultural practices and beliefs surrounding a higher being, connection with others and the world, and the pursuit of self-improvement.

    I came across a blog called Lonerwolf.com as I was researching spirituality and religion’s impact on individuals. I love the description used by blogger Aletheia Luna.

    According to Luna, there is a lot of beauty and depth in both religion and spirituality. The word “spirituality” comes from the Latin word spiritualis, which means, “breath; of the spirit; air.”  Spirituality is connected to the divine through your own personal experience. It is primarily concerned with finding, experiencing, and embodying one’s true spiritual nature. 

    On the other hand, Luna stated that religion comes from the Latin word “religionem,” which means respect for what is sacred, reverence for the gods, conscientiousness, sense of right, moral obligation. Religion is connected to the divine through someone else’s experience. Primarily concerned with believing in, following, and obeying the rules created by a certain deity or spiritual teacher.

    I have been both religious and spiritual for most of my life. I was brought up in a religious home. I grew up Roman Catholic. My mother took us to church, I was baptized, had my first communion, first confession, and at fourteen years old got confirmed in my faith after a year’s worth of religious instruction. After confirmation, I attended religious instruction less regularly. In college, I attended church on Easter and Christmas. Although my college had student religion services, I never attended.

    When I met my husband in college, we shared many views although we were not brought up in the same Christian denomination. We married in the Roman Catholic church. During the first few years of marriage, we did not attend church.

    Once first child was born, my husband and I began “church shopping.”  Our oldest child was six months old when we found a small Episcopal church that fits the needs of our family. We attended church as a family when our sons were younger. As the children got older, my husband and I took turns serving in volunteer roles. As our family needs changed after our older son entered college, I eventually changed churches to be closer to home.

    As I have gotten older, I am seeking ways to express personal spirituality more than taking part in church regularly. Up until a year ago and through COVID, I served in church roles from organizing church fair to leading an arts ministry for six years. This led to personal burn-out. I stepped away for a bit, attending less frequently, and turning down volunteer roles.

    I realized that my spirituality as a younger person was so tied into my religion, I knew that I needed to step back, and I am finding new ways to express my spirituality through creative art time, listening to music, and reading. I have come to learn that although there may be overlaps, religion and spirituality are not the same.

    Spirituality is not just about religious belief, but rather about connecting with something outside of yourself that brings meaning and connection to your life. It may include breathwork, service to others, spending time in nature, wrote Scott.

    According to Psychology Today, spirituality means different things to different people. For some, it is a belief in God and active participation in organized religion. Yet for others, it is about non-religious experiences that help them contact their spiritual selves.

    Spirituality is not a single path or belief. Not everyone experiences spirituality in the same way. Spirituality is diverse than the individuals who practice it. As I have done research on various topics for this blog, I have been introduced to various forms of spirituality and expression that I would like to further explore. What interests me is that many individuals identify themselves as spiritual not religious.

    Some characteristics of spirituality are:

    • Asking deep questions about life, suffering, death, etc.
    • Deepening connections with others
    • Experiencing compassion and empathy for others
    • Experiencing feelings of interconnectedness
    • Feelings of awe and wonder
    • Seeking happiness beyond material possessions or external rewards
    • Seeking meaning and purpose
    • Wanting to make the world a better place.

    Spiritual individuals may express their spirituality in different ways that may include:

    • Breathwork, meditation or quiet time
    • New age spirituality
    • Prayer
    • Service to the local community
    • Spending time in nature
    • Attending Spiritual retreats
    • Practicing yoga
    • Practicing spirituality through religious traditions

    What is the difference between spirituality and religion?

    Spirituality:

    • Can be practiced by the individual.
    • Does not have to adhere to specific set of rules.
    • Focuses on personal journey of what is the meaning of life.

    Religion:

    • Often practiced in a community
    • Usually based on specific set of rules and customs
    • Often focused on the belief in deities or gods, religious texts, and traditions

    Research findings have found positive benefits of spirituality. Spirituality and religious practices can lower anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. It can lead to greater happiness and improved well-being, and life satisfaction. Studies have confirmed that people connected to spiritual practice or tradition tend to be more resilient. When individuals participate in spiritual and religious practices, they broaden their social network.

    Research has found that an instinct toward spirituality appears to be ingrained in humans. Even religious skeptics cannot stifle the sense that there is something greater than the physical world that we see in our daily lives.

    Andy Tix, PhD, is a psychologist of religion and spirituality. Tix has been studying religion and spirituality for the last thirty years. He recently wrote that people experience spirituality in diverse ways, both within and beyond religion. Spirituality can involve God, nature, humanity, the self, questioning, or longing.

    Psychologist of religion and spirituality Ken Pargament defines spirituality as the search for the sacred. What are the sacred asks, Tix.

    In a 2015 study conducted by Daryl Van Tongreren and his colleagues, people differ in their perceptions of what is sacred. The findings of the study led to defining five primary sources of spirituality.

    • Theistic Spirituality:  The sacred is found or some kind of higher power. Practiced in longstanding religious traditions, rituals, and communities of faith.
    • Nature spirituality:  Sacred is rooted in a deep connection of the natural world. It involves awe and reverence for the earth and its beauty.
    • Human spirituality:  Some find spirituality in a sense of humanity shared with others. It may be experienced while working on behalf of societal peace or justice.
    • Transcendent spirituality:  This is a little more difficult to describe. It involves a personal connection with something that feels beyond words, something that is vaster or mysterious.
    • Self-spirituality:  This is a more inward experience of spirituality. Self can be a source of spirituality when there is a sense of genuineness, congruence, or wholeness felt. Spirituality with the sense of simply being you, undivided and authentic. Being true to yourself.

    According to Dan Bates, PhD, multiple studies have established meaningful connections between faith practices and improved mental health outcomes. Religious and spiritual practices benefit psychological health through several pathways including helping people make meaning of life and find purpose.

    Luna expressed the difference between spirituality and religion in this way:

    “Modern spirituality puts a great emphasis on our personal connection with God/Life/Spirit. We are encouraged to find the truth within ourselves. Religion, on the other hand, puts emphasis on humbling ourselves to a Divinity that is usually seen as outside of ourselves.”

    I leave you with this quote:

    “At any moment, you have a choice, that either leads you closer to your spirit or further away from it.” Thich Nhat Hanh

    Resources:

    Image retrieved on 6/28/2025 from <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/hand-drawn-style-energy-healing-hands_9923889.htm”>Image by freepik</a>

    Bates, PhD, Dan. “The Psychological Benefits of Spirituality. How faith frameworks can help you manage life’s challenges and stress.” Psychologytoday.com 3/21/2025.Retrieved on 6/27/2025 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-health-nerd/202503/the-psychological-benefits-of-spirituality

    Luna, Aletheia. “Spirituality vs Religion: 11 Differences (with pros and cons list).” Lonerwolf.com 4/17/2024. Retrieved on Retrieved on 6/26/2025 from https://lonerwolf.com/spirituality-vs-religion/

    Psychology Today Staff. “Spirituality.” Psychologytoday.com Retrieved on 6/27/2025 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/spirituality

    Scott, PhD, Elizabeth. “How Spirituality Can Benefit Your Health and Well-Being: Finding balance in and connection with something bigger.” Verywellmind.com 10/20/2024. Retrieved on 6/27/2025 from

    Tix, PhD, Andy. “7 Ways People Experience Spirituality. Spirituality is not one-size fits all. You may be more spiritual than you know.” Psychologytoday.com 6/17/2025. Retrieved on 6/27/2025 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pursuit-of-peace/202506/7-ways-people-experience-spirituality

  • Who Am I? What Makes “Me” me?

    May 10,2025

    What is self-perception? Self-perception refers to the way an individual views themselves, encompassing their internal feelings and understanding of their characteristics. It involves a personal and subjective understanding of oneself, rather than external perceptions from others. The person has a picture of who they are. This perception influences attitudes, behavior and overall sense of self.

    Why is self-perception important? It is important for understanding how individuals think, behave, and relate to others. According to a 2022 published study, it is understood that self-perception includes those internally conscious and organized concepts that the individual has about oneself.

    There are other words for self-perception, such as self-image, self-concept, introspection, self-awareness, self-examination, and self-reflection. These terms also relate to how a person perceives themselves, their abilities, and place in the world.  In today’s blog, I will focus on self-perception and self-concept.

    Self-concept is what you believe defines you as a person. It answers the “Who Am I?” question. It involves everything about you, from your morals and everyday behaviors to your talents, hobbies, and beliefs. Self-concept is a critical component of identity development.

    What is the difference between self-concept vs. self-esteem? Self-concept and self-esteem are related, according to the Aster Mental Health website, yet they are distinct ideas in psychology. Self-concept is a broader term that encompasses the entirety of an individual’s beliefs about themselves, including their traits, behaviors, and overall identity. Whereas, self-esteem refers to the evaluative and affective aspect of self-concept. It is the judgment and emotional reaction a person has towards themselves. Self-esteem relates to how much a person likes or values themselves. I am going touch part on that in another blog post.

    According to humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers, there are three parts of self-concept:

    • Ideal self – your vision and ambitions of who you want to be.
    • Real self (self-image) – how you currently see and perceive yourself.
    • Self-esteem – how much worth and value you believe you have.

    Carl Rogers was an American psychologist who was one of the founders of humanistic psychology. Rogers’ main theory was that people have an innate desire for personal growth and self-actualization. He believed that people have an inherent tendency to realize their full potential when supported by an environment that provides unconditional positive regard. Rogers’ work transformed psychotherapy.

    As I delved further into the concept of self-perception, I learned many things, too many to fit into this one blog post. One key theory that I came upon is the self-perception theory. It is an important concept in psychology.  It was first introduced in the 1960’s by a social psychologist named Daryl J. Bem at Cornell University. It asserts that people develop their attitudes (when there is no previous attitude due to a lack of experience, etc.—and the emotional response is ambiguous) by observing their own behavior and concluding what attitudes must have caused it.

    Initially, Bern’s theory was seen by some as a concept that challenged cognitive dissonance. However, further research that built upon Bem’s work has concluded that the self-perception theory and cognitive dissonance do indeed have different applications. The critical difference is that self-perception theory relates to situations where an individual’s attitude is ambiguous or weak. Since the 1960s, there have been other numerous studies conducted by psychologists that support the self-perception theory, demonstrating that emotions do follow behaviors. 

    Bem outlined the key ideas for his theory:

    • Inference from behavior
    • Ambiguous internal cues
    • Attitude formation
    • Behavioral cues as evidence
    • Lack of prior attitude

    “Individuals come to know their own attitudes, emotions, and other internal states,”  wrote Bem, “partially by inferring them from observations of their own overt behavior and/or the circumstances in which the behavior occurs.”

    The Decision Lab shared the basic idea of Self-Perception Theory as, “We typically view the interaction between attitudes and behaviors as a causal sequence that progresses linearly from attitude to behavior. We might have an attitude towards work ethic, for example, which would translate into some behavior, like working overtime to get the job done.”

    What influences our self-perceptions? Other people can influence our self-concept and self-esteem, but there more important systemic forces on our self-perception have the most influence, wrote Tammera Stokes Rice. Influences include social and family influences, culture, and media. Each play a role in shaping who we think we are and how we feel about ourselves.

    As a newborn, we are a blank slate. Parents and peers shape our self-perceptions in positive and negative ways. Feedback that we get from significant others can lead to perceptions of self. As we grow, those influences can change. The way that you perceive yourself impacts all arenas of your life. In general, we strive to present a public image that matches our self-perception or self-concept. Take the time, get out a journal, and write down answers to the following:

    • Make a list of characteristics that you think describe who you are.
    • Name one positive and one negative influence that had your self-perception.

    “From the start, our environment shapes who we are. We don’t always see it, but we are similarly influenced by what the people around us believe.”
    ― C.B. Lansdell, Far Removed

    Resources:

    Image retrieved on 5/10/2025 from <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/portrait-woman-with-low-self-esteem_36305570.htm”>Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik</a>

    Aster Mental Health. “What is Self-concept in Psychology?” Retrieved on 5/4/2025 from https://www.astermentalhealth.com/what-is-self-concept-in-psychology/#:~:text=Different%20cultures%20emphasize%20different%20aspects,to%20which%20individuals%20compare%20themselves.

    Bem, Daryl J. “Self-Perception: An Alternative Interpretation of Cognitive Dissonance Phenomena.” Carnegie Institute of Technology. Psychological Review. 1967, vol. 74, No.3, 183-200. Retrieved on 5/4/2025 from https://web.mit.edu/curhan/www/docs/Articles/15341_Readings/Motivation/Bem_1967_Self_perception.pdf

    Bem, Daryl J. “Self Perception Theory.” Advance in Experimental Social Psychology, vol. 6. 1972. Academic Press, Inc. New  York. Retrieved on 5/4/2025 from http://www.communicationcache.com/uploads/1/0/8/8/10887248/self-perception_theory.pdf

    The Decision Lab.”Self Perception Theory”. Retrieved on 5/4/2025 from https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/psychology/self-perception-theory

    McLeod, PhD, Saul. “Contribution to Psychology,” Retrieved on 5/4/2025 from https://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-rogers.html#:~:text=Carl%20Rogers’%20humanistic%20theory%20focuses,that%20provides%20unconditional%20positive%20regard.

    Palenzuela-Luis N, Duarte-Clíments G, Gómez-Salgado J, Rodríguez-Gómez JÁ, Sánchez-Gómez MB. International Comparison of Self-Concept, Self-Perception and Lifestyle in Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Int J Public Health. 2022 Sep 29;67:1604954. doi: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604954. PMID: 36250150; PMCID: PMC9556634. Retrieved on 5/4/2025 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9556634/#:~:text=Finally%2C%20self%2Dperception%20is%20important,individual%20has%20about%20him%2Fherself.

    Psych Central.”The Makeup and Theories of Self Concept.” Retrieved on 5/4/2025 from https://psychcentral.com/health/self-concept

    Social Science Explainer. “Self-Perception Theory.” Retrieved on 5/4/2025 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrtNaguKM68

    “Study.com “Self-Perception Theory: Definition and Examples.” Psychology 104: Social Psychology. Retrieved on 5/4/2025 from https://study.com/academy/lesson/self-perception-theory-definition-and-examples.

    “Self-perception” theory”. Retrieved on 5/4/2025 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-perception_theory#:~:text=Self-perception%20theory Stokes Rice, Tammera. College of the Canyons. “3.5 Influence on Self-Perception.” Retrieved on 5/4/2025 from https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Courses/College_of_the_Canyons/COMS_100%3A_Process_of_Communication_(Stokes-Rice)/03%3A_Perceiving_and_Understanding/3.05%3A_Influences_on_Self-Perception

  • What is Cognitive Dissonance?

    4/18/2025

    Cognitive dissonance abstract concept vector illustration. Mental discomfort, conflict, missing out, psychological abuse, emotional state, decision making, experience abstract metaphor.

    What is Cognitive Dissonance?

    It is the mental discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes. As individuals, we tend to seek out consistency in our attitudes, perceptions, and values, yet we do something that conflicts with the values we hold, we may feel uneasy and uncomfortable.

    Here are some examples:

    You make a pact with yourself to put money in a savings account, but then with the surprise bonus, you splurge on the great dress you saw online. You later regret that choice when an unexpected expense occurs when your car needs repairs.

    You say honesty is important personal value, but then tell a white lie to a friend to get out of a sticky and awkward social situation to not hurt their feelings.

    Discomfort and unease can happen to all of us to some degree or another, but it is not always easy to detect or recognize. It can occur in pretty much any area of life.

    According to Psychology Ryan Anderson, cognitive dissonance is very common where someone’s beliefs that are important to how they define themselves conflict with how they behave.

    Where did this concept originate? In 1957, Psychologist Leon Festinger published a book, A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance.  The theory of cognitive dissonance proposed that two ideas can be consonant or dissonant. Consonant ideas logically flow from one another. Dissonant ideas oppose one another. The dissonance between two contradictory ideas, or between an idea and a behavior, creates discomfort. Festinger argued that cognitive dissonance is more intense when a person holds many dissonant views and those views are important to them.

    According to Cherry, cognitive dissonance can be caused by feeling forced to do something, learning new information, or when faced with a decision between two similar choices. It proposes a challenge. It causes discomfort in us that we may not readily want to accept.

    How does discomfort manifest itself? A person may feel anxious, embarrassed, regretful, sad, shameful, or stressed.

    What influences cognitive dissonance? The degree of dissonance depends on a few factors, notes Kendra Cherry, MSED. The importance attached to each belief and the number of dissonant beliefs. For example, the more clashing thoughts you have, the greater the strength of the dissonance.

    One of my goals is to eat more fruits and vegetables daily, as it will improve my health with its nutrients in the long term. I am motivated initially.  In fact, I do well for the first few days, yet, after having a bad day, I crave the sweets and give in to that cookie, donut, or whoopie pie.  For me, some foods give me emotional comfort when I feel low. I rationalize, one cookie or donut is not going to hurt me in the long term. In reality, I could have worst habits. I am unhappy with myself, or I could be anxious or stressed. I am bothered that I broke a promise to myself and my inconsistency to change bad habits.

    Psychology Today points out that when one learns new information that challenges a deeply held belief or acts in a way that undercuts a favorable self-image, that person may feel motivated to resolve a negative feeling and return to cognitive consonance. Yet, the response or choice a person selects may not always resolve it. They may ignore the source or behave to eliminate any conflict that they are feeling internally.

    “The inconsistency between what people believe and how they behave motivates them to engage in actions that will help minimize feelings of discomfort. People attempt to relieve this tension in different ways, such as by rejecting, explaining away, or avoiding new information,” wrote Cherry.

    According to Cherry, people like to believe that they are logical, consistent, and good at making decisions. Cognitive dissonance can interfere with the perceptions they hold about themselves and their abilities, which is why it can often feel so uncomfortable and unpleasant.

    Dissonance plays a role in how we act, think and make decisions. Festinger believed that all people are motivated to avoid or resolve cognitive dissonance, due to the discomfort. The defense mechanisms fall into three areas: avoiding, delegitimizing, and limiting impact.

    Firstly, people may avoid or ignore what they are feeling. They may avoid people or situations that remind them of it.  They may discourage others without talking about it, or distract themselves until the feeling goes away. Cherry notes that sometime this may involve blaming other people or outside factors.

    Secondly, people may undermine the evidence. They may try to discredit the person, group, or situation. For example, they may say the source is biased, not trustworthy.

    According to Cherry, people may feel ashamed of their conflicting beliefs and behaviors. They may try to hide the disparity from others to minimize the feelings of shame and guilt.

    Thirdly, people may belittle the importance of the information. They may say the behavior is rare or unusual. They may rationalize to convince themselves or others that the behavior is okay.

    Cherry pointed out that people may seek out information that confirms existing beliefs. This is known as confirmation bias. It affects our abilities to think critically about a situation but helps minimize feelings of dissonance.

    Anderson summed it up that cognitive dissonance is everywhere, it can be used to explain a lot of different behaviors and attitudes.

    We can resolve the dissonance by changing our actions, changing our thoughts, or changing perceptions of actions. We can be mindful of our values and any decisions or actions that could conflict with our values.

    Resources:

    Image retrieved 4/18/2025 from  Image by vectorjuice on Freepik

    Anderson, Ph.D., Ryan. “How Cognitive Dissonance Relates to Relationships: The phenomenon of cognitive dissonance can account for just about anything.” 12/14/2016.Psychology Today. Retrieved on 4/10/2025 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mating-game/201612/how-cognitive-dissonance-relates-relationships

    California Learning Resource Network (CLRN) “What is a blind spot in psychology?” 11/18/2024. Retrieved on 3/12/2025 from What is a blind spot in psychology? –

    Cherry, MSED, Kendra. “Cognitive Dissonance and the Discomfort of Holding Conflicting Beliefs. How We Resolve Our Internal Conflicts.” Verywellmind.com 1/27/2025. Retrieved on 4/10/2025 from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-dissonance-2795012

    Medical News Today. “What is Cognitive Dissonance.” Retrieved on 4/10/2025 from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326738

    Psychology Today staff. “Cognitive Dissonance.” Retrieved on 4/10/2025 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/cognitive-dissonance

  • Defense Mechanisms: Our Unconscious’ Way of Protecting Ourselves

    3/30/2025

    How do we protect ourselves from overwhelm, stress, or anxiety? Our brains have developed psychological  strategies, known as “defense mechanisms,” that are unconsciously used to protect us from anxiety, arising from unacceptable thoughts or feelings that we might have.  

    In the late 19th century and early 20th century, psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud first developed the idea of defense mechanisms. He said that defense mechanisms involve a distortion of reality, so that we are better able to cope with a situation. He initially produced seven mechanisms:  denial, displacement, projection, rationalization, reaction formation, repression, and sublimation.

    Freud believed that defense mechanisms helped shield the ego from the conflicts created by the id, superego, and reality. Freud proposed that the human psyche is composed of three parts: the id (primitive instincts), the ego (the rational self), and the superego (the moral conscience). Psychological distress occurs from conflicts between these three components.

    Anna Freud, a psychoanalyst in her own right, built upon her father’s ideas. Freud focused on the ego’s role in managing conflict and anxiety. She authored the book The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense, which was published in 1936. This book is considered a landmark work in psychoanalytic theory, providing a systematic exploration of these mechanisms. 

    “Defense mechanisms are subconscious strategies our mind employs to protect us from emotional harm or unpleasant truths, potentially creating blind spots in our self-awareness and understanding,” wrote Anna Freud.

    Many of the mental defense mechanisms we develop are used to protect ourselves from anxiety, stress, or overwhelming emotions. According to several online sources, denial is the most often used as humans.

    “Defense mechanisms are subconscious strategies our mind employs to protect us from emotional harm or unpleasant truths, potentially creating blind spots in our self-awareness and understanding,” wrote Anna Freud.

    Here are some examples of other defense mechanisms used:

    • Someone who consistently blames their partner for their own shortcomings might be using projection.
    • A person who avoids discussing a traumatic event might be using repression.
    • Someone who becomes overly focused on details to avoid emotional distress might be using intellectualization.

    When I get stressed or anxious, I tend to take out my frustration on my spouse. I am snippy or sarcastic to avoid the real reason that I am upset. Sometimes I avoid a topic as it is too sensitive to a subject that makes me uncomfortable and vulnerable. Admittedly, I have not figured out yet what to do instead. My husband describes me as an onion, he must peel back many layers of emotion before he gets to the core of my true angst. I know I have a long way to go in some areas.

    The human brain does this so to distance itself from unwanted feelings and threats, such as guilt or shame according to Sun Behavioral Delaware.

    According to website Psychotricks.com, it is important and crucial that we understand the defense mechanisms that we use to increase our self-awareness and growth.

    How do you recognize the use of defense mechanisms in yourself? Pay attention to your behavior. Notice where there are patterns when you get upset.

    Ask yourself and keep in mind:

    • Do you make excuses for your behavior?
    • Do you avoid topics of conversation?
    • Do you take out your frustration on your spouse after a distressing day?
    • Do you deny an event happening or minimize its impact since it is difficult to talk about?

    Our use of denial, repression, and projection, for example, may help protect ourselves from difficult feelings, situations, or events; but only offers temporary relief. However, mental health professionals have indicated that long term use is detrimental to our mental health, hinders our growth, and impacts our relationships, as well as our communication.

    Resources:

    Image Retrieved on 3/30/2025 from https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/top-view-people-head-shapes-cogwheels_25629260.htm#fromView

    California Learning Resource Network (CLRN) “What is a blind spot in psychology?” 11/18/2024. Retrieved on 3/12/2025 from What is a blind spot in psychology? –

    Contemporary Psychology. “Freud’s Defense Mechanisms.” Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from https://www.contemporarypsychology.com.au/freuds-defence-mechanisms/#:~:text=Meaning%20of%20Defence%20Mechanisms%20Freud

    Denys, A “Decoding Defense Mechanisms: How Your Mind Protects Itself.” 12/25/2024.Psycho Tricks. Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from https://psychotricks.com/defense-mechanisms/

    Kelland, Mark D. “Anna Freud and Ego Psychology.” Retrieved on 3/21/2025 https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Psychology/Culture_and_Community/Personality_Theory_in_a_Cultural_Context

     Wikipedia. Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigmund_Freud

    Mistry LN, Neelkanthan S, Deshpande SS, Jawdekar AM, Shah PP, Khachane NA. Matters of the Mind: A Look into the Life of Sigmund Freud. Cureus. 2024 Oct 15;16(10): e71562. doi: 10.7759/cureus.71562. PMID: 39552960; PMCID: PMC11563769.Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11563769/

    Psych2Go. “Ten Psychological Defense Mechanisms” Video. Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from 10 Psychological Defense Mechanisms

    Social Neuro. “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Freud but Were Afraid to Ask.”  Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=PAxafcn_SWg

    Tan, Dr. Emily. Uncovering the Meaning of Blind Spots in Psychology.Retrieved on 3/21/2025 from Uncovering the Meaning of Blind Spots in Psychology – Listen-Hard