An amalgamation of love, laughter, and camaraderie, our all-time favorite sitcom- FRIENDS! There are countless times when we all wanted to be like them and even to the extent of wanting to be with them.
But why is the likeness go so far ahead, maybe because they had what we all want to have in real life-Real Friendships. However, let’s be honest that is too farfetched for some of us here, then what still held us captivated by them was – the relatability!
In this series of blogs, we are exploring and discussing the hidden use of psychological defense mechanisms by our six hilarious pals, at some point or other in the whole show.
From using humor to dodge emotions to denying the obvious, we’ll take a close look at how they handle life’s curveballs in their own unique ways.
Humor
Humor, as a defense mechanism in psychology, refers to the use of wit, jokes, or amusing behavior to cope with emotional discomfort, anxiety, or stressful situations. According to Freud, humor serves as a release of psychic energy, allowing individuals to discharge repressed feelings and unconscious conflicts in a socially acceptable manner.
In the iconic sitcom FRIENDS, one character stands out for his wit, sarcasm, and constant use of humor as a defense mechanism – Chandler Bing, portrayed by Matthew Perry. Throughout the show’s ten seasons, Chandler’s sharp wit and self-deprecating humor become synonymous with his character. But behind the laughs lies a psychological coping mechanism that shields him from vulnerability and emotional pain.
Chandler Bing’s use of humor is apparent in various dialogues, where he masterfully deflects serious situations with a well-timed joke.
Childhood Trauma:
He claims that his humorous acts started as a defense mechanism when his parents broke up and it had a serious impact on his emotional development.
Difficulties Expressing Emotions
Chandler often struggles to express his emotions openly. Humor allows him to communicate indirectly and express his feelings in a less vulnerable manner.
Coping with Insecurities
Chandler often uses humor to mask his insecurities, self-doubts, and low self-esteem issues. By making others laugh, he can divert attention from his own self-doubts and avoid facing deeper emotional issues.
While Chandler’s humor is an appealing part of his character, it also serves as a complex psychological defense mechanism that provides insights into the human psyche and the ways individuals protect themselves from emotional distress. As “Friends” explores these dynamics, it highlights the use of humor as both a source of laughter and a shield for deeper emotions.
Rationalization
Rationalization is a psychological defense mechanism a person uses unconsciously to justify actions, beliefs, or feelings in a way that appears logical and acceptable, even if they are irrational or motivated by underlying less socially acceptable reasons. This defense mechanism helps individuals avoid feelings of guilt, shame, or internal conflict.
Let’s now understand this defense mechanism further by discussing some episodes and how our beloved characters Mastered the Art of Justification in the most hilarious ways:
The One with All the Cheesecakes (Season 7, Episode 11)
Chandler and Rachel receive a misdelivered cheesecake that was intended for their neighbor. Instead of returning it, they decide to indulge in the scrumptious dessert. As they repeatedly find themselves unable to resist eating more slices of cheesecake, their use of rationalization becomes evident.
Chandler’s Rationalization:
Chandler rationalizes his behavior by emphasizing the fact that the cheesecake was accidentally delivered to their doorstep. He convinces himself that it’s a “moral duty” to consume the cheesecake because it goes to waste. In his mind, he justifies eating the cheesecake to prevent food from being thrown away, which makes it seem like a noble act rather than a selfish act.
Rachel’s Rationalization:
On the other hand, Rachel rationalizes her actions by blaming her behavior on the taste of the cheesecake. She proclaims that it is the “best cheesecake she has ever had,” which implies that she couldn’t help but keep eating it due to its delicious flavor. This justification allows her to avoid taking responsibility for her actions and portrays her as a helpless victim of the cheesecake’s charm.
Both Chandler and Rachel’s use of rationalization helps them to downplay the moral and ethical implications of eating someone else’s food. They twist the situation to make it appear reasonable and justified in their minds, protecting themselves from feelings of guilt or shame.
The One with The Cat (Season 4, Episode 2)
Phoebe finds a stray cat that she believes is her mother reincarnated. Despite her friends’ skepticism, she rationalizes her belief by interpreting various coincidences as signs from her mother in cat form.
This defense mechanism allows Phoebe to cope with the loss of her mother by maintaining a sense of connection and continuity. By rationalizing that her mother’s spirit resides within the cat, she tries to find comfort in the idea that her mother is still present in some form.
Throughout the episode, Phoebe’s humorous and quirky explanations, starting with ‘the feeling’ that it is her mother, followed by stating her mother’s love for fish and how cats also love to eat fish. It also highlights the unique ways in which people interpret the world around them to support their beliefs, no matter how unconventional they may seem to others.
To be continued…
Blog By : DEEBHA SITHTA
