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We wish to summarize our proposal in the form of a definition of the defensive organization.
The defensive organization is that part of the total ego organization which explores the possibilities for adaptation to the disequilibria of intrapsychic conflict and attempts to find the best solution in the given circumstance. As a general regulatory organization, the defensive organization uses not only those methods we referred to as the defence mechchanisms, to distort or impede, but also processes of cognitive controls to order, channel, modulate or modify the ideational, affective and motor content aroused, and the timing and mode of their discharge. Affects are the intrapsychic signals which guide the activity of the defensive organization; the anticipation of positive affects orientate the activity of the defensive organization towards objects and goals; that of unpleasurable affects towards inhibition, withdrawl, gross distortion or impedence. When a motivational urge produces a disequilibrium, the affect signals of a possible danger situation will set in motion the scanning for solutions.