Definition
Conversion is a defense mechanism by which individuals reduce acute anxiety by transforming (converting) psychological suffering into physical symptoms, which are characterized by impairments in sensory and motor functions. In this process, individuals become unaware of the mental contents that cause psychological distress, and the associated anxiety is reduced. The ensuing motor and/or sensory impairments usually take the form of medical conditions for which physical etiology cannot be identified. Examples include paralysis, tremor, tactile insensitivity, weakness, numbness, seizures, loss of consciousness, and vision and hearing problems. As a maladaptive defense mechanism, conversion interferes with healthy adaptive functioning. As with all maladaptive defense mechanisms, because individuals using conversion are not fully aware of the original stressor, they cannot use effective problem solving to cope with it.
Introduction
The concept of conversion as a defense mechanism...
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Costa, R.M. (2020). Conversion (Defense Mechanism). In: Zeigler-Hill, V., Shackelford, T.K. (eds) Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24612-3_1371
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