Impact of Defense Mechanisms on the Psychological Well-Being and Resilience of Non-Disabled Populations and Populations with Physical Disabilities

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the impact of defense mechanisms on an individual’s psychological well-being and resilience. It also examines non-disabled individuals and individuals with physical disabilities. The population for this study included non-disabled (n = 100) individuals and individuals with physical disabilities (n = 100) from Peshawar, Pakistan. The data on the differently abled individuals with physical disabilities were taken from various paraplegic centers in Peshawar. The data on the non-disabled individuals were taken from various universities and other places of work. Results from the statistical analysis show significant differences between the scores on the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS) of the individuals who used mature defense mechanisms as compared to the individuals who used immature and neurotic defense mechanisms. Individuals using mature defense mechanisms had high scores on (SWEMWBS). The study showed significant differences between the non-disabled and individuals with physical disabilities in terms of their use of defense mechanisms in general. Non-disabled individuals used more mature defense mechanisms than individuals with a physical disability. Moreover, people with physical disabilities who used mature defense mechanisms scored higher on the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale compared to individuals with physical disabilities using negative defense mechanisms. There were no significant differences found regarding gender and the use of defense mechanisms.