Journal of Applied Psychological Research

The Role of Defense Mechanisms in Predicting Adolescent Personality Traits

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Human Development Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

2 Dean of Student Affair Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess defense mechanisms and evaluate the predictive role of defense mechanisms in personality traits. The sample population consisted of 891 adolescents, aged between 17 and 19 years from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, selected through a systematic random sampling method, during the academic year 2023-2024. The data collected using the Eysenck Personality Inventory and a self-developed scale on defense mechanisms were analysed using SPSS 30 and Jamovi 2.6.44, 2025. The defense mechanism scale was validated through principal component analysis, resulting in 11 components with 30 items, with a factor loading threshold of 0.4. The scale demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .751), an adequate KMO (0.716), significant Bartlett's test of sphericity, and a 51.150 cumulative percentage. An r value of 0.991 in the test-retest indicated excellent reliability, and CFA (SEM)- Comparative Fit Index (CFI) showed .902, TLI .900; and a Parsimony Comparative Fit Index (PNFI) .621, which is greater than 0.50 confirmed a good fit. The findings of linear regression analysis depicted that reaction formation was a common defense mechanism among adolescents and significantly predicted introversion and neuroticism, while denial was the least used defense mechanism. Rationalization and projection were significant predictors of extroversion, whereas mature defenses, like sublimation, was found to be the predictor of stable personality traits. Notably, reaction formation, a neurotic defense mechanism, was used frequently by adolescents in this study, which is a cause for concern, to realize the need for tailored interventions to promote adolescents' healthy personality, mental health and well-being.

Keywords

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Journal of Applied Psychological Research
Volume 17, Issue 2
July 2026
Pages 149-164
  • Receive Date: 16 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 28 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 November 2025
  • First Publish Date: 04 January 2026
  • Publish Date: 01 July 2026