Freudian Defense Mechanisms are psychological strategies used by individuals to cope with anxiety and protect their self-esteem. Developed by Sigmund Freud, these mechanisms help manage internal conflicts and emotional distress. Common examples include repression, where unwanted thoughts are pushed out of conscious awareness, and projection, where individuals attribute their own unacceptable feelings to others.
Other defense mechanisms include displacement, which involves redirecting emotions to a safer target, and rationalization, where one creates logical explanations for irrational behavior. These mechanisms operate unconsciously, allowing individuals to maintain psychological balance while navigating life's challenges.