title: Mechanisms of defense: development and research perspectives.
abstract: The author offers a selective overview of defense mechanisms. With an eye to clarifying the definition of defense mechanisms and the use of this concept in treatment, she traces the evolution of the concept since its initial formulation, examines the developmental aspects of defenses and the implications for psychopathology, and discusses various recent research studies.
authors.affiliation: Cornell University Medical College, Westchester Division, White Plains, NY 10605.
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Kernberg
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011574:Psychoanalytic Theory; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012106:Research