US High School Psychology Practice Exam

What defense mechanism is Selma using when she refuses to acknowledge her lung cancer diagnosis?

1. Rationalization

2. Denial

3. Displacement

4. Repression

The correct answer is: Denial

Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept reality or facts, thereby protecting themselves from overwhelming feelings of anxiety or distress. In the case of Selma, her refusal to acknowledge her lung cancer diagnosis illustrates this mechanism perfectly. By denying the existence of her illness, she avoids facing the emotional turmoil associated with such a serious health condition. This behavior is a common response to traumatic news, allowing individuals time to process their emotions at their own pace. Understanding denial is essential in psychology because it highlights how people can shield themselves from uncomfortable truths, often as a way to cope with stress or fear. It’s important to differentiate denial from other defense mechanisms like rationalization, which involves creating logical excuses for behavior, or repression, which is the unconscious blocking of unwanted thoughts. Displacement refers to redirecting emotions to a safer outlet, which is not applicable in Selma's situation. Each of these mechanisms serves different purposes in managing conflict or anxiety, but denial specifically addresses the refusal to accept a distressing reality.