title: [Irony and cynicism as forms of defense].
abstract: Irony and Cynicism are understood to be defense mechanisms. The principle of opposites explains Irony best:  it serves the purpose of avoiding the negative affect of a state by maintaining its dialectic opposite. Irony can thus be attributed to counter-cathexis. Cynicism has already been shown in its historical development to be a form of denial with the purpose to minimize the importance of the object. Sarcasm is not a defense but a form of aggressive discharge.
mesh_terms: D000374:Aggression; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D009341:Negativism; D014705:Verbal Behavior
vernacular_title: Ironie und Zynismus als Formen der Abwehr