Which statement best describes denial as an ego defense mechanism?

• A. Accepting Reality
• B. Expressing Feelings Openly
• C. Refusing to Acknowledge the Existence of a Real Situation or the Feelings Associated with It
• D. Blaming Others

Answer: (C)

Denial is an ego defense mechanism in which a person refuses to acknowledge a distressing reality or the emotions connected to it. By acting as if the real situation or feelings don’t exist, the individual can momentarily lower anxiety and avoid emotional pain. This does not mean the situation isn’t real; it means the mind temporarily protects the person by shutting it out. Over time, denial can hinder coping because the underlying issue remains unaddressed.

For example, someone told they have a serious illness might insist, “That can’t be true,” or behave as if nothing is wrong. This helps reduce immediate distress but prevents appropriate processing and action. Denial differs from accepting reality, which involves acknowledging what is true and coping with it. It also differs from openly expressing feelings, which is a healthier coping strategy, and from blaming others, which involves attributing responsibility rather than denying reality.