What Is Defensiveness? - Verywell Mind Defensiveness is a maladaptive defense mechanism in response to someone giving you feedback that you perceive as critical There is an overwhelming urge to protect yourself when you feel hurt, shame, sadness, or anger
Why Am I Defensive? 7 Reasons Behind Defensiveness | 2025 - Psychology For Defensiveness is a natural psychological response that emerges when we feel threatened, judged, or misunderstood While occasional defensiveness is common, frequent or excessive defensiveness can strain relationships, hinder communication, and create barriers to self-improvement
12 Truths About Defensive Behavior - mindbodygreen Here are 12 truths about defensiveness that can help us better understand this self-protecting impulse In understanding defensiveness better, we can learn to dismantle it as a habit and begin engaging more compassionately and openly in our relationships
Why Am I Defensive? Understanding The Root Cause Of . . . - BetterHelp Defensiveness is an unconscious emotional coping mechanism that helps protect us from a perceived threat to our self-esteem While defensiveness is meant to protect us, defensive behaviors may be unhealthy and strain personal relationships
Struggling with defensiveness? 9 ways to let down your guard Understand what’s beneath defensiveness, how it impacts relationships, and 9 ways to soften If you’ve ever been in a tough conversation or a fight and feel your defenses rising, you’re not alone Defensive behavior is often automatic, showing up before we even realize it’s happening
Defensiveness: How It Works and What to Do About It Defensiveness is a coping strategy where we attack another person in order to shift focus away from our own faults and insecurities The key to being less defensive in your relationships is learning how defensiveness really works and how to manage it in a healthy way
How to Overcome Defensiveness - Choosing Therapy By understanding defensiveness and learning healthier responses, it’s possible to strengthen relationships and rebuild trust This collection of worksheets offers practical tools and exercises to help you navigate challenging relationships and unwanted behaviors, and protect your well-being