This study sheds light on the relationship between spirituality and psychological development, focusing on the influence of Buddhist practice on psychological defenses. The central question of the study has two parts: (a) whether Buddhist practice influences practitioners' use of defenses, and (b) if so, what is the nature of this influence. Using a multiple case study design, three Vipassana practitioners were assessed for defenses with a self-report measure, the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), and clinical ratings of defenses using the Defense Mechanism Rating Scales (DMRS). Interviews of participants provide extensive information pertaining to the subjective experience of change related to Buddhist practice.
