It has been unclear whether adolescent deliberate self-harm (DSH) is more associated with substance use or with characterological impairments. Multivariate determination of (N = 114 Scottish adolescents) ever engaging in DSH (Youth Risk Behavior Survey) from alcohol use, other substance use, and immature defense mechanism use (Defense Style…

The study examined the role of defense mechanisms in homophobic attitudes of older male adolescents aged 17-18 years. A cross-sectional survey collected data from final year high school students (N = 86) attending an all male school in a regional centre in Victoria, Australia. The school was identified by teachers as having a problematic culture…

Among 1,493 adolescents ages 14-20 years, the lower the social group, the higher the average neurotic defense style score. Boys had higher scores of mature defense styles than girls. Among boys who had lost their father, lower social class was related to immaturity. Social class differences in defense styles may partly explain later differences in…

College students (n=71) completed inventory of adaptively regressive experiences and Identity Status Interview. Found that Moratorium status students (actively engaged in identity formation) showed greater disposition to adaptive regression than did individuals in other statuses. Findings support view that adaptive regression may serve function in…