Keywords
psychological well-being
life satisfaction
How to Cite
Abstract
The study examines the concept of psychological defenses and their integral role in ensuring an individual's psychological well-being and life satisfaction. Psychological defenses are understood as mechanisms aimed at protecting the psyche from excessive stress and maintaining emotional stability. The article provides a detailed analysis of the construct of psychological well-being, highlighting its multidimensional nature, which includes aspects such as emotional balance, a sense of purpose, and self-realization. Additionally, the phenomenon of life satisfaction is described as a subjective assessment of the quality of life based on personal values, experiences, and expectations.
The primary objective of this research was to investigate the connection between psychological defenses and two pivotal psychological constructs: well-being and life satisfaction. The empirical study involved 33 participants aged 20 to 42 (29 women and 4 men) who were part of a positive psychotherapy training project. The participants agreed to undergo a series of psychodiagnostic evaluations, conducted individually, where they independently worked through the selected diagnostic tools.
Findings suggest that psychological defense mechanisms play a nuanced role in supporting an individual's emotional equilibrium and personal comfort. However, it was revealed that individuals with high levels of psychological well-being and life satisfaction tend to rely less on these mechanisms to maintain emotional balance. This suggests that optimal psychological functioning and positive life experiences may be associated with a reduced need for defensive psychological strategies. Moreover, the study highlights an inverse relationship between the intensity of psychological defense mechanisms and the degree of psychological well-being and life satisfaction.
The research further explores the relationship between defense mechanisms and positive life experiences, identifying potential pathways for psycho-correction. Specifically, it emphasizes addressing situations where defenses are immature, underdeveloped, or fail to fulfill their protective function. Such defenses may distort reality or create an illusory sense of satisfaction, thus requiring targeted interventions to enhance their adaptability and effectiveness.
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