TABLE 5.

Minor image-distorting defense level: Definition, function and DMRS-Q items of defenses devaluation of Self-image, devaluation of other’s image, idealization of self-image, idealization of other’s image, and omnipotence.

Defense mechanism	DMRS-Q items
Devaluation of self-image	ITEM 12: The subject says demeaning things about him – whether somewhat funny or not – such as “I am so-ooooo stupid.” ITEM 29: The subject makes a lot of unwarranted negative, sarcastic, or biting statements about the self, but the individual can acknowledge some of their positive aspects, if these are pointed out. ITEM 34: When experiencing failure, disappointment, shame or loss of self-esteem, the subject dismisses the issue by saying something negative about him or herself, then dismisses the problem by moving to another topic and avoids focusing on the feelings. ITEM 56: The subject is preoccupied with real or exaggerated faults in him or herself, although he or she can acknowledge some realistic positive aspects, if these are pointed out. ITEM 147: When confronted by a personal disappointment the subject makes negative comments about him or herself but then avoids further discussion of the disappointment in any detail.
Devaluation of other’s image	ITEM 54: When a topic brings with it feelings of disappointment, shame or loss of self-esteem, the subject dismisses the issue by finding some fault or criticism elsewhere or by uttering obscene comments about it. ITEM 82: The subject devalues others’ accomplishments or motives, to minimize their significance, but he or she quickly dismisses such topics rather than dwell on them. ITEM 85: When asked to discuss something about him or herself, the subject diverts the focus to saying negative things about others, as if devaluing others will raise his or her own self-esteem. ITEM 111: The subject has negative things to say about a lot of individuals or objects, although he or she can acknowledge some of their positive aspects, if these are pointed out. ITEM 143: The subject makes sarcastic or biting statements about others to minimize their positive qualities and dismiss any competition or threat they may pose.
Idealization of self-image	ITEM 38: When confronted with any negative aspects of him or herself, the subject appears to downplay or ignore them by substituting talk about positive self-attributes instead. ITEM 71: The subject makes many references to how important he or she is with an emphasis on self-image, rather than real accomplishments which might make the person important to others. ITEM 87: The subject tells stories in which others are saying positive things about him or herself. ITEM 133: The subject takes pleasure in referring a lot to his or her own positive but superficial attributes, like being beautiful, lovable, smart, well-dressed, worthy, a center of attention. This may be true even if the subject longs for qualities that are only imagined, wished for, or in the past. ITEM 135: When confronted with problems, the subject prefers to dwell on his or her own positive qualities, such as being lovable, smart, beautiful, creative, “the best,” as if those qualities will take care of the problems.
Idealization of other’s image	ITEM 16: The subject makes many references to how important certain people or objects are with an emphasis on their image, rather than real abilities or accomplishments which might make the person or object important to others. ITEM 17: The subject tells stories in which he or she says glowing positive things about another person or object, without giving much detail to back it up. ITEM 95: When confronted with problems, the subject prefers to dwell on the positive qualities of others on whom he or she relies, such as being lovable, smart, beautiful, creative, “the best,” as if those qualities will take care of the problems. ITEM 138: The subject takes pleasure in referring a lot to positive but superficial attributes of others, like being beautiful, lovable, smart, well-dressed, worthy, a center of attention. This may be true even if the subject longs for qualities that are only imagined, wished for, or in the past. ITEM 139: When confronted with any negative aspects of others important to the subject, the subject appears to downplay or ignore them, by substituting talk about the positive image or attributes instead.
Omnipotence	ITEM 7: The subject talks about how capable he or she is of influencing events or famous and important people. However, the emphasis is on the sense of personal power or abilities, rather than the detailed stories that support the claims as real. ITEM 10: The subject acts in a very self-assured way and asserts an ‘I can handle anything’ attitude, in the face of problems that he or she in fact cannot fully control. ITEM 68: The subject makes clearly false statements about his own special powers and abilities (these may or may not be delusional). ITEM 126: There is excessive bravado in discussing problems or personal accomplishments that stands out as excessive or unrealistic. ITEM 129: The subject is very grandiose in describing personal plans, accomplishments or abilities, perhaps comparing him or herself to famous people.