The Al-Jasra Cultural and Social Club, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, organised an awareness lecture titled “The masks of the psyche. When the mind protects us to persevere”. The lecture was presented by Prof Abeer al-Jibawi, a psychologist and trainer specialising in behavioural intervention, psychological support, and educational training. Prof al-Jibawi holds a master’s degree in educational psychology from Damascus University in Syria.
The lecture was attended by a number of people interested in psychological and cultural matters.
Prof al-Jibawi began her lecture by posing a question inspired by the saying of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may God be pleased with him): “Whoever says that Muhammad has died, I will strike off his head.” She questioned whether this statement reflected his true character, known for its justice and mercy, or whether it was an exceptional psychological response imposed by the shock of the event. Through this example, she illustrated how a person can behave contrary to their nature under the influence of intense psychological pressure.
She emphasised that individuals face numerous daily struggles in their pursuit of a more stable and peaceful life. She noted that accumulated pressures and painful traumas can sometimes exceed an individual’s capacity to cope, leading to a state of psychological and physical tension manifested as physical pain, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty in breathing, as well as mental confusion, poor concentration, and a persistent feeling of anxiety, fear, and exhaustion.
She explained that when an individual reaches a point beyond their capacity to endure, they may unconsciously resort to primitive response patterns such as fight or flight, or even freezing.
However, social and moral constraints often prevent the direct expression of these emotions, prompting the mind to devise defence mechanisms to protect itself from psychological collapse.
She clarified that these mechanisms are known in psychology as unconscious psychological defence mechanisms, which allow repressed emotions to emerge indirectly and in a more socially acceptable manner. She pointed out that these mechanisms vary in their maturity and the benefits they provide to the individual.
