Defense Mechanisms Inventory

The Defense Mechanisms Inventory (DMI) is a psychological tool that assesses the strategies people unconsciously use to protect themselves from feeling anxious, uncomfortable, or stressed. These defense mechanisms help individuals manage difficult emotions or situations, often operating automatically. The DMI helps identify these patterns, providing insights into how someone copes with challenges and underlying emotional habits. It’s useful for understanding personal behavior, improving self-awareness, and guiding therapy or personal development. The inventory focuses on various defense styles, such as denial, projection, or rationalization, to give a comprehensive picture of adaptive or maladaptive coping strategies.