Results of exploratory research on defense mechanisms and psychiatric symptomatology are reported about Black students enrolled in classes on the campus of one Historically Black College and University. Theoretical influences are twofold: ego mechanisms of defense conceptualized hierarchically and a culture-specific view of defense mechanism functioning. Exploratory hypotheses are: that defense style does exist, that an identifiable pattern in defense styles is consistent with nepenthe theory, and that defense styles will correlate with psychiatric symptoms. Instruments used were the Defense Style Questionnaire and the Derogatis' Symptom Checklist 90-R. Defense style conceptualized as encompassing a hierarchical continuum from adaptive-to-maladaptive functioning was found to be a valid construct for these students. Also, the self-sacrificing defense style correlated inversely with symptom distress. Both theoretical influences received support, but the necessity of the culture-specific formulation was firmly implicated. (Contains 5 tables.)