Continuing with our series of Decoding the Defense Mechanisms used by our all-time favorite cast- the FRIENDS. Here are a bunch of Defense Mechanisms we will be exploring and understanding in this blog post:
REPRESSION
Repression, a concept in psychoanalytical theory, first described by Sigmund Freud, is a psychological defense mechanism that works unconsciously to protect the mind from threatening thoughts, memories, desires, and emotions. It involves the involuntary blocking of these uncomfortable feelings from conscious awareness, effectively banishing them into the unconscious mind.
Repression is often confused with suppression, which is another kind of defense mechanism, and is a completely voluntary attempt to forget or not think about painful or unwanted thoughts. However, the issue with repression is that those feelings do not go away or are completely clocked but rather show up in our actions, words, or in ways that may not be visible to us but are to others.
Season 4, Episode 12: The One with the Embryos
A quiz game takes place where Monica bets her and Rachel’s apartment against Chandler and Joey’s entertainment unit. The game involves Ross asking questions about each other’s lives, and the team with the most correct answers gets the apartment. However, Monica and Rachel end up losing their apartment blaming Monica for her competitive nature.
Monica’s extreme portrayal of competitiveness often served as a form of repression of her deeper insecurities. Monica was never the ‘popular’ kid – neither in her home nor in her school. She was overweight and non-attractive. She had an overachieving big brother who was often favored by her parents, especially her mother, and a best friend who was super popular and considered extremely attractive.
Monica’s competitiveness could stem from her constant attempts to make her parents proud of her, and for her to be praised, as opposed to living in Ross’ shadow all the time. It could also stem from her childhood and teenage insecurities, particularly as her best friend, Rachel, was a popular school diva with several boyfriends, whereas Monica was obese and relatively unliked.
Season 7, Episode 3: The One with Phoebe’s Cookies
Rachel offers to teach Joey how to sail as she has been sailing with her father all her life. The scene slowly unfolds, and things quickly go awry as Joey struggles to understand the basics of operating the sail and steering the boat. Over time Rachel gets annoyed and Joey finds her behavior ‘Mean’ to which she replies, ‘My father is mean, yelling at me all the time on the boat’.
After getting on the boat again the pinnacle of the scene occurs when Rachel gets annoyed, and Joey suggests they give up. This is when Rachel delivers the line, “Greens don’t quit,”. She realizes her repression of the memories she has had while learning to sail from her father. This behavior of hers towards Joey was nothing but her past repressed feeling showing up in front of her.
DENIAL
Denial is a defense mechanism that involves refusing to acknowledge or accept the reality of a situation, thought, or emotion. It’s a way for individuals to protect themselves from experiencing uncomfortable truths. Instead of facing reality, they refuse to believe that the situation is true.
Denial can serve as a protective mechanism in the short term, helping individuals cope with overwhelming emotions or situations. However, when denial becomes a habitual way of coping, it can hinder personal growth, prevent problem-solving, and lead to long-term negative consequences.
Season 6, Episode 6: The One with Rachel’s Sister
In this episode where Monica gets sick but will not admit shows a clear sign of denial. She is ocassionly called a ‘control freak’ who does not like things getting out of her control even if it is her health. She denies her sickness by implying “I am not sick; I don’t get sick! Getting sick is for weaklings.” Another significant portrayal of her competitive nature and not okay with being shown as a weakling.
In the same episode, Ross briefly dates Rachel’s sister, Jill, portrayed by Reese Witherspoon, while Rachel’s denial of her true feelings for Ross is not explicitly stated, her behavior suggests a mix of discomfort, concern, and a possible attempt to downplay her emotions.
To be continued…
Blog By : DEEBHA SITHTA
