Psychological health and protective mechanisms (psychological defenses and coping behavior) in childhood

Abstract

Psychological health of children is seen as a condition of providing adequate environmental adaptation. Theoretical and empirical studies of the contribution of psychological defenses and coping strategies for the prediction of psychological health are presented. The author assumes that features in the composition of psychological defenses and coping strategies, taking into account the state of the psychological health of children. The sample consists of 86 subjects (M = 5,6 years, 49 boys, 37 girls). Significant differences were found in the practiced ways of coping with difficulties in preschoolers based on health status. We analyze the connectivity of protective mechanisms with indicators of psychological health. Psychological defenses and coping strategies that contribute to the state of mental health are revealed.