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The relationship between ego defense mechanism, loneliness and trust
Author(s)
Date Issued
2016
Publisher
Hong Kong: Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Description
47 pages
Type
Thesis
Programme
Master of Social Sciences in Counselling Psychology
Abstract
The study aimed to address the major deficits in knowledge regarding the relationship between ego defense mechanisms and individuals with high loneliness or low trust. One hundred and twenty-nine participants ranging in age 18 to 68 years old (M = 31.73, SD = 9.884) participated in the study. They were required to complete a battery of questionnaires including Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40), UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 and Inclusive General Trust Scale (IGTS). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the use of adaptive defense mechanism, anticipation are positively associated with trust while maladaptive defense mechanism, projection and somatization are negatively associated with trust. The use of adaptive defense mechanisms is negatively associated with loneliness while the use of maladaptive defense mechanisms, projection, autistic fantasy and isolation are positively associated with loneliness. Possible rationale of these findings are discussed. Implications for client interview and interventions are suggested.
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