As we all know , the foundation and main aim of all the unconscious defense mechanism our mind employs to protect us from feelings of pain, stress and anxiety ie; Avoidance of Pain.
According to Sigmund Freud’s Pleasure principle, the aim of every individual is pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. Pain that may arise discomfort that comes from instinctual anxiety, objective anxiety, and anxiety of conscience.
Avoidance hence is the foundation of all defense mechanisms.
What’s the meaning of avoidance defense mechanism.
Avoidance is where we consciously and unconsciously try to keep ourselves from objects and situations that may arouse anxiety or discomfort.
This may be people, environments, conversations or information that are deemed to be dangerous to our self-esteem, safety or emotional wellbeing.
Michael G. Wetter, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles, California claims the main function of avoidance is to protect us from what we perceive to be a threat, linking the degree to which we avoid to the level of perceived threat or danger.
A threat to one might not be a threat to another for they’re relative.
Why we use Avoidance;
• To protect ourselves from uncomfortable feelings and emotions such as guilt or shame.
• To avoid Cognitive Dissonance that may arise if we exposed ourselves to some situations or informations.
•As a protector against physical injuries.
• As a protector against perceived social injuries eg; Judgement, criticism or rejection.
• To avoid re-experiencing past painful experiences ie; We avoid the Triggers associated with past negative experiences.
Anna Freud, Sigmund Freud’s daughter saw the mechanism of avoidance as a primitive and natural mechanism that’s is associated with the normal development of the ego hence not easy to view it in isolation.
Types of Avoidance Behaviours.
Author Mckay, PHD In his book “Mind and Emotions” outlines five types of avoidance behaviors:
1. Situational avoidance
He most common where we stay away from people, places, things, or activities that we perceive as threats.
For instance; An individual shamed when attempting to give a speech avoids all form of public speaking.
Individual may also avoid certain places such as crowded elevators or activities such as eye contact with new people
2. Cognitive avoidance
Here one redirects mind away from distressing thoughts or memories. Defense mechanism such as repression and suppression are guided by this principle.
Instead of exposure, one may choose to fantasize about an action or distract themselves from thinking certain things.
3. Protective avoidance
Protective avoidance is where we take actions in our physical environment that help us feel safer in our inner world for instance; Over preparation, perfectionism, compulsive obsessive behaviours such as checking locks multiple times again and again.
4. Somatic avoidance
Here, one avoids triggers that elicit a physical response similar to anxiety or the stress response.
For instance, Racing heart may make one avoid activities or situations that trigger it such as roller coasters or uncertain situations.
5. Substitution avoidance
May be internal or external.
We replace discomfortable emotions or thoughts with more acceptable ones.
We use alcohol, food, drugs, sex, or anything else that provides temporary respite from uncomfortable emotions. Busyness and distraction may also be a form of substitution Avoidance.
Other Examples of Avoidance defense mechanismsÂ
Procrastinating; Here we delay or postpone a task when we feel we’re not ready or willing to do it.
Social Withdrawal to avoid rejection from others.
Unconsciously, Hyperfectionism to avoid criticism.
Emotional numbing to avoid discomfortable feelings.
Using substance abuses or engaging in other risky but pleasurable behaviours to avoid feelings of discomfort.
An individual who avoids dating following the romantic heartbreaks he encounters.
Seeking out only information that confirms your beliefs to avoid the cognitive Dissonance that may arise from encountering different information.
Avoiding difficult conversations out of fear.
Avoiding new places, conversation with strangers or new risky adventures out of fear of the unknown.
The imposter Syndrome is a common form of avoidance where we perceive ourselves unworthy of success.
Effects of Avoidance.
Avoidance help provide a temporary relief from anxiety that may have arised from encountering anxiety arousing objects.
Avoidance may prevent growth and lead to stagnation.
It may lead to further increased anxiety.
Avoidance that may lead to numbing of emotions such as Anger leading to further depression.
To manage Avoidance;Â
Awareness; Awareness is a great weapon that we can use to break any chain or obstacle.
Gradual Exposure; What we avoid persists, gradual exposure to perceived threats might help break the predictive pattern your brain have.