Compensation
Compensation is a very common defense mechanism, for most of us feel inadequate in so many ways. When achievement of an original goal is blocked, we may substitute a second goal and reach it instead. For example, the small person may develop a deep, husky voice as compensation. A student who has high ability in mechanical skills but who is weak in speaking and writing may compensate by becoming outstanding in tuning an engipe. Compensations serv.e not only as substitutes for some other achievement, but also divert attention from our inadequacies. Thus, they help us by reducing some of the expressed or implied criticism that produces anxiety.
Compensation, like identification, may be pushed too far. College counselors report that many failing students have been pushed into inappropriate programs ,of study to satisfy the compensatory needs of their parents.
