Compensation as a defense mechanism involves:

Compensation as a defense mechanism is characterized by an individual focusing on their strengths to offset perceived weaknesses or failures. This psychological strategy allows a person to divert attention from areas in which they feel inadequate by highlighting qualities or skills where they excel. For example, a student who struggles academically might emphasize their athletic abilities or artistic skills as a means of dealing with their academic challenges.

By emphasizing strengths, the individual can maintain self-esteem and a sense of worth, even in the face of shortcomings. This coping strategy can be beneficial in enhancing motivation and encouraging personal growth, as it allows individuals to build up their positive attributes while simultaneously working on areas that may need improvement.