Defense Mechanism and Optimism in Korean College Students

Eun-Joo  Hong; Hyo-Eun  Kim; Jin-Kyung  Kim

doi:10.4236/jss.2014.211012

Eun-Joo Hong¹^*, Hyo-Eun Kim², Jin-Kyung Kim³

Abstract: The objective of this study was to illustrate the relationship between optimism and defense mechanism in Korean college students. 332 student participants from “A” University in Korea completed questionnaires from the Ewah defense mechanism and optimism measurement tool. This study analyzed the culled data and revealed general patterns of optimism and defense mechanism, as well as patterns based on gender. In addition, the study analyzed differences in defense mechanism, dictated by one’s optimism level. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and t-test were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. The results demonstrated that the operating defense mechanism in Korean college students were different for males and females in the categories of show-off, passive aggressive, denial, and identification. However, the level of optimism was identical for both genders. Defensive mechanisms based on optimism levels also varied significantly in controlling, distortion, altruism, humor, sublimation, and rationalization categories.

Keywords: Korean College Student, Optimism, Defense Mechanism

Cite this paper: Hong, E. , Kim, H. and Kim, J. (2014) Defense Mechanism and Optimism in Korean College Students. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 2, 84-89. doi: 10.4236/jss.2014.211012.

References

[1] Kim, B.-H., Ann, Y.-J., Jung, M.-Y., Cha, J.-Y. and Choi, K.-W. (2004) A Study on the Relation between Level of Stress and Effects of Stress by University Students. Journal of Ewha Institute of Nursing, 38, 76-89.

[2] Kim, J.E., Lee, K.H., Kim, J.K. and Park, Y.S. (1991) Ewha Defense Mechanism Test. Hana-Euihak Press, Seoul.

[3] Freud, S. (1894) The Neuro-Psychosis of Defense. Ibid. 3.

[4] Kaplan, H.I. and Sadock, B.J. (1989) Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry IV. Williams & Willkins, Baltimore.

[5] Brenner, C. (1976) Psychoanalytic Technique and Psychic Conflict. International University Press, New York.

[6] Maddi, S.R. (1980) Personality Theories. 4th Edition, The Dorsey Press, Illinois.

[7] Vaillant, G.E. (1981) The Natural History of Male Psychological Health. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 33, 433-440.

[8] Jung, H.Y., Hong, H.K., Kim, Y.R., Lee, S.Y., Jung, H.Y. and Han, S.H. (2002) A Study of Fellow and the Interns’ Ego-Defense Mechanism: Comparing Physicians and Surgeons. Journal of the Korean Neuropsychiatric Association, 41, 298-308.

[9] Shin, H.S. (2005) Testing the Mediating Effect of Coping in the Relation of Optimism and Pessimism to Psychological Adjustment in Adolescents. Korean Journal of Youth Studies, 12, 165-192.

[10] Scheier, Carver and Bridges (1994).

[11] Lee, J.Y. (2010) The Relationship among Adult Attachment, Optimism and Social Anxiety of University Student. Mas- ter’s Degree Thesis, Kyungsung University.

[12] Suh, K.H. and Oh, K.H. (2009) The Moderate Effect of Life Satisfaction Expectancy on Life Stress and Health among College Students. Journal of Korean Health Psychology, 14, 633-648.

[13] Kim, J.E., Lee, K.H., Kim, J.K. and Park, Y.S. (1991) A Study of Ewha Defense Mechanism Standardization Test. Journal of the Korean Neuropsychiatric Association, 30, 582-591.

[14] Kim, D.H. (2004) The Study on the Ego Defense Mechanism in Accordance with Factors Internal & External of University Students. Master’s Degree Thesis, Konkuk University.

[15] Scheier, M.F. and Carver, C.S. (1992) Effects of Optimism on Psychological and Physical Well-Being: Theoretical Overview and Empirical Update. Cognitive Theory and Research, 16, 201-228. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01173489

[16] Kim, S.I. (2009) Defense Mechanism & Mental Health. Korea Whole-Person Educational Development Institute.