Six attitudes among Individuals with Unhealthy Self-Esteem

‘Maladaptive perfec- tionism’ is also associated with unhealthy self-esteem. Normal perfectionists are reasonable and realistic about self-expectations and usually perform with a realization of their limitations and strengths. Maladaptive per- fectionists demand of themselves a higher level of performance than it is usually possible to attain (Rice, Ashby, & Slaney, 1998, pp. 304-305). Since their…

Repressed Anger, Depression & Cancer

Repression is a defense mechanism in which the person is unable to remember or to be cognitively aware of disturbing wishes, feelings, thoughts, or experiences (American Psychological Association, 1987, p.394). According to George E. Vaillant’s (1992) classification, it is one of the neurotic defense mechanisms, because they “do not individually demonstrate strong relationships to symptoms…

Acting-out Your Anger is Self-Destructive

Acting-out is a defense mechanism in which the person acts without reflection or apparent regard for its negative consequences (DSM III, 1987 p.394). George E. Vaillant (1992) explains that it “involves the expression of feelings, wishes, or impulses in uncontrolled behaviour with apparent disregard for personal or social consequences” (p.253). Therefore it is the mode…