At its inception, psychoanalysis was attacked for its radical views. Now it is often considered culturally parochial and antiquated. By evaluating the applicability of a well-established psychoanalytic construct (ego-defense mechanisms) in an Asian population, the multicultural and contemporary relevance of psychoanalytic psychology was explored. An established measure of ego-defense mechanisms (Life Style Index; H. R. Conte & A. Apter, 1995) was administered to a large Thai sample (N = 2,624). Exploratory factor analyses showed that 6 of the 8 original scales were suitable for use (Regression, Reaction Formation, Projection, Repression, Denial, and Compensation). Self-concept and Buddhist beliefs were significantly related to unconscious coping. Findings suggest that psychoanalytic theory can provide a meaningful framework for multicultural study.