DEFENSE-MECHANISMS AND ADJUSTMENT IN NORMAL ADOLESCENTS

Objective: This study compared self-perception of defense patterns wit h objective and independent ratings of general adjustment in normal ad olescents, Method: Self-perception of defense utilization by 140 high school students was measured by an adolescent version of Bond's Defens e Style Questionnaire, The DSM-III-R Global Assessment of Functioning Scale was used by clinicians in determining general adjustment. Result s: Defense style and adjustment were significantly related; greater ma turity of defense style was associated with better global adjustment, and conversely, greater immaturity of defense style was associated wit h a lower level of functioning. Conclusions: Adolescents' self-perceiv ed defense patterns have conscious correlates associated with general adjustment. This study extends the validity of the defense mechanism p aradigm to the adolescent age group.