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Podcast: Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology Podcast
Episode: Defense Mechanisms for RPGs: Realism at the Table
Description: Text us, PsyclithidsWhat happens to an adventurer after the dragon burns their village, or when they fail to save an innocent life? In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology of defense mechanisms—the unconscious strategies people use to protect themselves from overwhelming stress—and explore how they can shape roleplay at the table.Drawing from the work of Sigmund Freud and Anna Freud, we’ll unpack four core defenses—repression, denial, rationalization, and projection—and show how they can bring depth and realism to your characters. You’ll hear practic...