Your classmate claims that defense mechanisms are signs of mental illness. But you know it's not that simple. Based on the information in this module, explain the pros and cons of defense
mechanisms

Pros: Breaking down ot taking away a person's ego defenses would leave thr individual vulnerable and frightened. The task of psychodynamic psychotherapy is to help the patient be more deliberate (conscious) and flexible (adaptive) to the demands of everyday life. The capacity for tolerating anxiety makes the reflexive defense against fear and tension unnecessary. Ego defenses when conscious, can become effective coping processes. Once understood, they can becomes cues that something is feeling threatening and needs attention. When under one's control, they can allow for a more realistic perspective on how to manage life's challenges.

Cons: Ego defenses evolved because, at some point on a person's life, they were helpful. They can continue to provide emotional safety throughout one's life as long as they don't become over used or too rigid - overuse or rigidity cause problems themselves, interfering with a person's ability to deal effectively with the world. Minimizing the impact of a difficult situation as in denial, may allow a child to function in an abusive home. Continuing to deny unhappy realities as an adult, however, can stand in the way of resolving problems. The cons of defense mechanisms come when they interfere with a person's ability to work effectively with reality.

Explanation:

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