Abstract

In this study, defense mechanisms were assessed empirically and their hierarchy was examined. This study investigated the relationship between defense maturity and psychological symptoms. Defenses lower in maturity level correlated positively with a higher level of psychological symptoms, while higher maturity defenses showed negative correlations with lower level symptoms. These results were interpreted to support the theory of defense maturity hierarchy. However, there were some interpersonal problems and psychological symptoms that showed higher correlations with 'major image-distorting' level defenses than with 'action' level defenses, the lowest in the original defense maturity hierarchy. This suggests the possibility of discrepancies between the defense maturity hierarchy from this study and the original defense mechanisms rating scales. Discrepancies could be due to cultural differences, which suggests the necessity of constructing a hierarchy specific to Korea. Depression showed relatively high positive correlation with passive aggression, while anxiety, obsession, and phobic anxiety showed positive correlation with splitting. Through understanding clients' levels of defense, the counselor can not only generate useful hypotheses about clients' underlying dynamics, but also provide appropriate interventions that are tailored to the clients' levels of defense maturity. Further research is needed to find out how to enhance clients' defense maturity and facilitate their self-observation. This study proved the defense mechanisms and their maturity hierarchy, which has important implications in the study of defense and psychotherapy.