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Defense mechanisms and adjustment in normal adolescents AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY Erickson, S. J., Feldman, S. S., Steiner, H. 1996; 153 (6): 826-828

Abstract

This study compared self-perception of defense patterns with objective and independent ratings of general adjustment in normal adolescents.Self-perception of defense utilization by 140 high school students was measured by an adolescent version of Bond's Defense Style Questionnaire. The DSM-III-R Global Assessment of Functioning Scale was used by clinicians in determining general adjustment.Defense style and adjustment were significantly related; greater maturity of defense style was associated with better global adjustment, and conversely, greater immaturity of defense style was associated with a lower level of functioning.Adolescents' self-perceived defense patterns have conscious correlates associated with general adjustment. This study extends the validity of the defense mechanism paradigm to the adolescent age group.

View details for Web of Science ID A1996UN63200018

View details for PubMedID 8633700