The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense (book)

"The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense," written by Anna Freud, explores how our minds protect us from anxiety and emotional distress. The "ego" is the part of our personality that mediates between our basic instincts and reality. To cope with stress, the ego employs various defense mechanisms—such as denial, repression, and projection—to manage feelings and thoughts that might be overwhelming. These mechanisms can help us function in daily life but may also lead to unhealthy patterns if overused. Anna Freud's work enhances our understanding of psychological resilience and the complexities of human behavior.