Final answer:
The behavior of a recently divorced respiratory therapist declining social invitations is illustrative of withdrawal, while an older man's isolation after retirement and loss points to the defense mechanism of isolation. By contrast, a woman engaging in social activities post-retirement could be demonstrating sublimation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of defense compensation mechanisms corresponds to behaviors whereby individuals cope with stress, anxiety, or internal conflict through various unconscious psychological strategies. In the first scenario described, a recently divorced respiratory therapist who declines social activities may be exemplifying the defense mechanism of withdrawal, where an individual retreats from social interactions and potential stressors following a significant life event such as divorce.
Regarding the second scenario of the older man who changes his lifestyle abruptly after retiring and the loss of his wife, his actions are possibly indicative of the defense mechanism called isolation, where the individual avoids forming social relationships or expressing emotions to protect themselves from further pain or disappointment. This behavior contrasts with the woman who actively engages in community life after retirement, which could be an example of sublimation, where she channels her energies into socially acceptable activities.
Defense mechanisms are common and can be observed in everyday life, such as denial of responsibility, reaction formation, regression, projection, rationalization, displacement, and sublimation. They serve the purpose of reducing anxiety but can become problematic when overutilized.