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Sex differences in the relationship between interpersonal problems and defensive style.

Clarissa Bullitt1, Barry A Farber

  • 1Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027-6696, USA. Cburn69982@aol.com

Psychological Reports
|January 18, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Interpersonal problems correlate with defense mechanisms in relationships. Women use immature defenses for control issues, while men use intermediate defenses for intimacy issues in work.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Interpersonal problems are common in relationships.
  • Defense mechanisms play a role in how individuals cope with interpersonal issues.
  • Previous research suggests potential sex differences in interpersonal functioning and defense styles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between interpersonal problems and defense mechanisms.
  • To explore potential sex differences in these relationships within work and intimate contexts.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Horowitz's Inventory of Interpersonal Problems and Bond's Defensive Style Questionnaire.
  • Surveyed 42 women and 35 men on their interpersonal issues and defense styles.
  • Analyzed correlations between interpersonal problems and defense mechanisms.

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Main Results:

  • Significant correlations were found between most interpersonal problems and the use of immature and intermediate defense mechanisms in both work and intimate relationships.
  • Women more frequently used immature defenses when facing 'control' issues in intimate relationships.
  • Men more frequently used intermediate defenses when addressing 'intimacy' problems in work relationships.

Conclusions:

  • Findings support a link between specific interpersonal problems and defense styles.
  • Evidence suggests sex differences in the use of defense mechanisms related to interpersonal issues, particularly concerning control and intimacy.
  • Further research into sex differences in interpersonal problems and defensive styles is warranted.