Which defence mechanism involves refusing to acknowledge uncomfortable reality?

Which defence mechanism involves refusing to acknowledge uncomfortable reality?

• A. Denial
• B. Repression
• C. Projection
• D. Rationalization

Answer: (A)

Defence mechanisms are ways people manage anxiety by changing how they experience reality. Denial is the act of refusing to accept or even acknowledge uncomfortable facts, acting as if the problem isn’t there or isn’t serious. This keeps the threat at bay in the moment, even though the reality remains true. For example, someone told they have a serious health issue might insist everything is fine and ignore test results. This fits the description of refusing to acknowledge reality most directly. Repression involves pushing distressing thoughts out of conscious awareness but doesn’t necessarily equate to flatly denying the reality itself. Projection is about attributing one’s own unwanted thoughts to someone else, and rationalization is offering justifications to make unacceptable behavior seem reasonable.

Defence mechanisms are ways people manage anxiety by changing how they experience reality. Denial is the act of refusing to accept or even acknowledge uncomfortable facts, acting as if the problem isn’t there or isn’t serious. This keeps the threat at bay in the moment, even though the reality remains true. For example, someone told they have a serious health issue might insist everything is fine and ignore test results.

This fits the description of refusing to acknowledge reality most directly. Repression involves pushing distressing thoughts out of conscious awareness but doesn’t necessarily equate to flatly denying the reality itself. Projection is about attributing one’s own unwanted thoughts to someone else, and rationalization is offering justifications to make unacceptable behavior seem reasonable.