Comparison of Ego Strength, Defense Mechanisms and Object Relations in Depressed People with Healthy People

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 MA, Department of Psychology, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Depression is one of the most significant causes of disability worldwide, with numerous adverse effects on both individuals and society. Therefore, it is crucial to identify factors associated with this disorder. This research aimed to compare ego strength, defense mechanisms, and object relations in individuals with depression and those who are healthy.
Method: The design of the current research was a comparative causal type. The statistical population included patients suffering from depression who visited the psychotherapy centers of Shiraz in 2018. A statistical sample of 35 people was selected to participate in the research. Additionally, 35 healthy individuals who matched the patient group in terms of age, education, and gender were selected. Information was collected using ego strength questionnaires, object relations questionnaires, and defense mechanisms questionnaires. The data was analyzed using independent t-tests and analysis of variance.
Results: The results showed that the ego strength in depressed people is significantly lower than in healthy people. Depressed people showed higher scores than the healthy group in the dimensions of Object Relations, including alienation, insecure attachment, self-centeredness, and social incompetence. In the variable of defensive styles, the results showed that depressed people use more defense styles that are immature and irritable, and normal people use developed defense styles.
Discussion and Conclusion: The findings of this research provide evidence of the psychological impact of depression and highlight the roles of ego strength, defense mechanisms, and object relations in depressive disorders.

Keywords

References

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