THE EGO AND THE MECHANISMS OF DEFENSE

As indicated in the title, this book deals exclusively with one particular problem, i.e., with the ways and means by which the ego wards off unpleasure and anxiety, and exercises control over impulsive behavior, affects, and instinctive urges. To investigate an activity of the ego in this painstaking manner, and to treat it on a par with the processes in the unconscious id was a comparatively novel venture at the original date of publication.