Pros; Ego defenses, when conscious, can become effective coping processes. Once understood, they can become cues that something is feeling threatening and needs attention. When under one's control, they can allow for a more realistic perspective on how to manage life's challenges
Cons; They can continue to provide emotional safety throughout one's life as long as they don't become overused or too rigid—overuse or rigidity cause problems themselves, interfering with a person's ability to deal effectively with the world
