Denial is the distortion of reality to avoid dealing with a particular situation.

• A. Projection
• B. Reaction Formation
• C. Denial
• D. Rationalization

Answer: (C)

Denial as a defense mechanism happens when a person refuses to accept a painful truth or aspect of reality, effectively distorting what’s true to avoid dealing with the situation. This can look like acting as if nothing has changed after a serious diagnosis or downplaying a failing grade by insisting the problem isn’t important. The instinct is to reduce immediate anxiety, but it can keep someone from taking necessary steps to address the issue. The other mechanisms work differently: projection shifts one's own unacceptable feelings onto someone else; reaction formation expresses the opposite of what one truly feels to hide those feelings; rationalization offers logical-sounding excuses to justify behavior or thoughts instead of facing the real cause.