What defense mechanism involves refusing to acknowledge painful realities?

Denial is a defense mechanism characterized by an individual refusing to accept or acknowledge painful or distressing realities. This can manifest in various situations, such as someone refusing to admit they have a serious illness despite clear medical evidence. By denying the existence of these painful truths, a person can protect themselves from the emotional consequences and anxiety that may arise from facing them. Denial serves as a temporary escape, often allowing individuals to cope with overwhelming stress until they are ready to confront the reality of their situation.

While repression, projection, and rationalization are also defense mechanisms, they work in different ways. Repression involves unconsciously pushing painful memories or thoughts out of awareness, while projection attributes one's own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to others. Rationalization, on the other hand, involves offering logical explanations for behaviors or feelings that are actually driven by emotional factors. In contrast, denial distinctly centers on outright refusal to recognize reality, making it the correct identification among the provided options.