Motivations, Emotion, and Personality Edition Practice Test

Refusing to acknowledge reality or facts to protect yourself from uncomfortable truths is the defense mechanism known as denial. Denial works by keeping distressing information out of conscious awareness, acting like a shield against anxiety. For example, someone might ignore obvious medical signs and insist the diagnosis isn’t real because facing it feels intolerable.

Other defense mechanisms describe different ways people cope under stress. Regression means slipping back to earlier, childlike behaviors when overwhelmed. Projection involves blaming others for your own unwanted thoughts or feelings. Rationalization is about spin-doctoring excuses to justify behavior or beliefs, making them feel acceptable. Each of these changes how you deal with reality, but denial centers on not accepting reality itself to reduce emotional pain.