Final answer:
People use defense mechanisms to manage the distress associated with mistakes by unconsciously distorting reality, thereby protecting their self-esteem. Examples include reaction formation, projection, and rationalization which facilitate psychological relief and self-preservation.
Step-by-step explanation:
People often use defense mechanisms when handling their mistakes because these mechanisms are unconscious strategies that help manage anxiety, guilt, and shame associated with making errors. Defense mechanisms protect individuals from facing the full brunt of their mistakes by distorting reality in a way that reduces these negative feelings.
For instance, reaction formation is a defense mechanism where a person expresses the opposite of what they truly feel to defend against uncomfortable emotions. Another example is projection, where individuals attribute their own unacceptable feelings onto others to avoid acknowledging them within themselves. These and other mechanisms like rationalization, displacement, and sublimation allow individuals to maintain their self-esteem and provide psychological relief.
Understanding the use of defense mechanisms leads to more critical reflection and metacognition, which can help in becoming more aware of these biases and adopting a more conscious approach to thinking and learning from mistakes.