Anna Freud: Altruism as a Defense

Jul 16, 2025
15 mins

Episode Description

Anna Freud explores how altruism can be used to fend off anxiety (and fulfil "forbidden" wishes), with her interesting exploration of Altruism as a Defense.


💌 Psychodynamic Newsletter → https://psychodynamicpsychology.com/newsletter


📖 Books mentioned (Amazon affiliate link)

The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense: https://amzn.to/467LwH9

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Anna Freud

02:27 Defense Mechanisms

03:30 Altruism (as a Defense)

05:02 Why People Use Altruism as a Defense

06:45 How Altruism as a Defense Works

08:45 Consequences

10:15 (Superficial) Examples + Variations

14:33 My Takeaway


EQUIPMENT (affiliate links)

Camera: https://amzn.to/40o7jah

Lens: https://amzn.to/420Igvb

Microphone: https://amzn.to/4fQQ0TN

Music: https://share.epidemicsound.com/un7jc6


DISCLAIMER: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. This description contains affiliate links. That means I will receive a small commission at absolutely no extra cost for you if you decide to purchase an item or sign up for a free trial.

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