[Path causal analysis of a model of a functional organization between defense mechanisms and coping strategies]

In the psychological literature, two concepts are often used to approach psychological and social adaptation: defense mechanisms and coping strategies. Many empirical studies deal with these strategies independently of each other. However, the nature of their relationship is still debated, making empirical studies necessary jointly evaluating these two types of strategies to better reflect the adaptive process.

To test Chabrol and Callahan's theoretical model of the relationship between defence mechanisms and coping strategies. According to theses authors, defence mechanisms and coping strategies are distinct mechanisms, functionally organized: defenses appear first and modulate the emergence of coping strategy defenses through threat representation.

Ninety-four young adult volunteers completed the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS14). The data were treated according to the structural equation modeling method.

Overall, the results support the theoretical model proposed by Chabrol and Callahan. The statistical model provides a good fit to the data (chi(2)/df=18.62/22=.85, P=.67, RMSEA=.00 (90% CI: .00-.07), CFI=1, TLI=1.04). It explains from 7 to 24% of coping variability scores (Avoidant Coping: R(2)=.07, P<.01; emotional coping and problem-focused coping: R(2)=24, P<.01). Results also show that the relationships between defence mechanisms and copings strategies are mediated by perceived distress and perceived controllability. Defence impact on coping strategies is not the same whether one considers problem-focused coping or emotional and avoidant coping. Immature and mature defences' impact on problem-focused coping is underpinned by a simple mediation: perceived controllability. Defences' impact on emotional coping and avoidant coping is more complex and underpinned by a double mediation: first by the perceived controllability and then, in a second time, the perceived distress. Finally, the results show the existence of a feedback loop from emotional copings to immature defences.

It is now clearly relevant for the therapist to simultaneously work on defence mechanisms and coping strategies without assimilating these two categories of processes. Such work involves being able to identify them in their specificities. One of the crucial therapeutic targets is to understand the role of defences on the mental construction of reality in order to maximize adaptive reactions, critical in stress management.