A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON UNDERSTANDING DEFENSE MECHANISMS IN OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Jossy Bairagi1 , Dr. Chandita Baruah2
1Phd Scholar, 2Assistant Professor (Stage II) & Head,
Department of Psychology
Assam Don Bosco University, Tapesia Gardens, Sonapur-782402, Assam, India
Abstract: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex psychological condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that significantly impair individuals’ functioning. This study aims to explore the relationship between defense mechanisms and OCD symptoms, addressing the gap in understanding how these mechanisms contribute to maladaptive behaviors in affected individuals. Utilizing a comprehensive review methodology, the research synthesizes findings from various studies, focusing on clinical and non-clinical populations to understand the interplay between defense mechanisms, childhood experiences, and OCD manifestations. The results indicate that individuals with OCD frequently employ maladaptive defense mechanisms, such as repression and reaction formation, which correlate with the severity of their symptoms. Additionally, the presence of emotional and physical childhood trauma was found to exacerbate obsessive-compulsive traits. The findings suggest that fostering adaptive defense mechanisms may enhance treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of integrating knowledge of defense mechanisms into therapeutic interventions. This research underscores the necessity for targeted strategies in OCD treatment thus helping individuals to develop healthier methods for coping with stress, considering both psychodynamic and psychosocial factors to improve patient quality of life and even improving clinical practice in terms of managing patients suffering from this psychiatric disorder.
Keywords: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, defense mechanisms, childhood trauma, coping strategies, psychological intervention.