Exploring the Relationship Between Defense Mechanisms and Psychopathology in Young Adults in Albania

Defense mechanisms are key psychological processes that protect individuals from emotional conflict and distress, influencing mental-health outcomes during emerging adulthood—a period of heightened vulnerability to anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints. Despite international research, their role in Southeast Europe, including Albania, remains underexplored. This study examined associations between three defense mechanism categories—mature, neurotic, and maladaptive—and psychological symptoms among 360 Albanian young adults aged 18–30, also exploring gender differences. Participants completed the Defense Style Questionnaire–40 (DSQ-40) and the Brief Symptom Inventory–18 (BSI-18). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and gender comparisons were conducted. Results indicated that greater reliance on neurotic and maladaptive defenses was linked to higher anxiety, depressive symptoms, and somatic complaints, while mature defenses showed modest protective effects. Women reported higher anxiety and depression, and men slightly higher somatic symptoms, though the overall patterns of associations were similar across genders. These findings emphasize defensive functioning as an important factor in emotional adjustment for Albanian young adults. Neurotic and maladaptive defenses increase vulnerability to distress, whereas mature defenses provide modest protection. Integrating assessments of defensive functioning in prevention and intervention strategies may enhance mental-health outcomes during emerging adulthood.