The role of defense mechanisms in the social adaptation of a preschool children

Савченко, Юрій Юрійович and Антипін, Євген Борисович and Редько, Сергій Іванович (2025) The role of defense mechanisms in the social adaptation of a preschool children Перспективи та інновації науки (Серія "Психологія"), 57 (11). pp. 2418-2429. ISSN 2786-4952

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Abstract

The article examines the influence of defense mechanisms on the social adaptation of preschool children. The theoretical foundations of the study are outlined, drawing on the works of researchers who have investigated the phenomenon of defense mechanisms and social adaptation. It has been found that psychological defense mechanisms play an important role in human psychological functioning. The first defenses are formed at an early age, helping the child cope with a large flow of information and adapt to life in society. The primary function of defense mechanisms is to reduce psychological threat. Since the social environment is challenging for the child from the very beginning, adaptation processes are used to establish a balance between the individual and the social environment. Social adaptation is a continuous process of active adjustment to the conditions of a new social environment, as well as the outcome of this adjustment. The article emphasizes that an important criterion of a child's mental health is the degree to which they are able to align their desires and actions with social norms and expectations, that is, the degree of their social adaptation. Based on numerous studies, it has been determined that the development of defense mechanisms is directly related to social adaptation processes. Research shows that by the age of four, all major defense mechanisms are present in the psyches of both boys and girls. However, the dynamics of their development and the frequency of their use differ between boys and girls of preschool age. Various manifestations of social maladjustment appear at all developmental stages. Boys and girls display similar types of maladjustment. The use of defense mechanisms is closely linked to social adaptation. Social adaptation is a complex phenomenon that underlies many social processes. The study of mental mechanisms involved in social adaptation is extremely important from both practical and theoretical perspectives.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	defense mechanisms; rationalization; projection; social adaptation; preschooler
Subjects:	Статті у періодичних виданнях > Фахові (входять до переліку фахових, затверджений МОН)
Divisions:	Факультет педагогічної освіти > Кафедра освітології та психолого-педагогічних наук
Depositing User:	Євген Борисович Антипін
Date Deposited:	16 Dec 2025 12:49
Last Modified:	16 Dec 2025 12:49
URI:	https://elibrary.kubg.edu.ua/id/eprint/54826

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