According to a number of distinguished psychologists, a major purpose of the defense mechanisms described by Freud is the protection of self-esteem. Give an example of how repression, reaction formation, projection, rationalization, and displacement could each be used to protect or even enhance a positive self-image.
4. Mrs. Kaufman spends a lot of time stroking, cuddling, and rocking her infant son and seems to be highly aware of the baby's actions and needs. Mr. Kaufman worries that his wife's interactions with the baby may eventually lead the child to (a) cry easily when frustrated, (b) fearfully cling to his mother, (c) become unfriendly toward other people, and (d) become withdrawn and uninterested in his surroundings. Describe research on social development that supports or refutes each of the father's concerns.
5. A newspaper editorialist argues that the use of DSM-IV diagnostic labels is destructively antidemocratic, because it enables an elite corps of mental health professionals to subtly control the values and life-styles of the rest of society. First give reasons supporting this argument, then defend the continued use of diagnostic labels.
6. Mr. Andrews suffers from frequent episodes of extreme depression. When a friend suggests that he might be helped by drug therapy, Mr. Andrews responds, "Drugs are just a crutch for people who lack self-discipline and who want to hide from their problems. Besides, I'm not about to hand over control of my life to some psychiatrist and his magic pills." Explain why Mr. Andrews' ideas about drug therapy are inaccurate.