I am well-versed on what a psychological defense mechnism is. And if you'll also care to recall, Dr. Ernest Becker's
The Denial of Death is a favorite of mine. You should probably read it. It won the Pulizer for non-fiction in 1974.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Denial_of_Death
In fact, I'm almost entirely certain I'm the only one that has written those words ("defense mechanism") on this message board before you just did. You know, kinda like how you've aped me in the past for your benefit.