How do we use “restitution”, “substitution and “symbolization” as defence mechanisms (psychology)?
Restitution is used to “make up” for a wrong you have done. It can make you feel better and may help you learn not to perform such actions if the cost is high enough. Substitution is used to replace an object or event when the object or event that you originally wanted becomes unobtainable. For example, if your spouse dies, you may seek out a spouse similar to the one who died, at least in your own eyes. You may actually seek to make the person like the person who died. Of course, objects or events do not have to be similar, but the person has to convince him/herself that it is equivalent to what they lost or better. Symbolization is basically making something into an object that has a special meaning for the person, such as idolizing someone. It can be either good or bad, but I think it is usually bad because nothing good can come of making something into a thing it is not. However, doing so and going into pursuit of it can make the person feel special.
