Repression sublimation rationalization displacement regression reaction formation projection denial a. we expend energy on prosocial activities in order to avoid participating in undesirable activities. b. we refuse to perceive "reality" in order to protect ourselves from it. c. we put our own unacceptable feelings or behaviors onto other people. d. we avoid painful thoughts by forcing them into the back of our mind (freud considered this to be the most basic defense mechanism) e. we try to create logical explanations of our behavior in order to justify it. f. we express feelings that are opposite to the undesirable ones we really feel. g. we retreat to behaving or thinking like a child in order to avoid adult issues. h. we vent our anger against people or objects that are not dangerous to us.