Gender differences in self-reported defense mechanisms: a study using the new Defense Style Questionnaire-60.
Studies have shown that men and women differ in their use of defense mechanisms (e.g. Cramer, 1991; Watson and Sinha, 1998). However, how and why this difference exists is still open to debate. The present study explores the relationship between gender and defenses using the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-60; Trijsburg Bond, & Drapeau, 2003). As expected, no significant differences were found in Overall Defensive Functioning (ODF); however, men and women differed in their choice of defense style, defense level, and individual defense mechanisms. Evidence is provided to support the notion that while overall adaptivity of defenses is comparable, men and women rely on different defensive organizations during conflict-laden situations. We discuss the clinical relevance of these results in light of previous findings.
McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Jonathan
J
Petraglia
Kylie Louise
KL
Thygesen
Serge
S
Lecours
Martin
M
Drapeau
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002170:Canada; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult