Which defense mechanism refuses to believe painful realities?

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

Answer: (B)

Denial is a defense mechanism where a person refuses to believe painful realities. By blocking the truth from awareness, it protects the individual from immediate emotional distress. For example, someone told they have a serious illness might insist the diagnosis is wrong or downplay its significance.

Projection would involve attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts to others, not denying the reality. Rationalization means creating plausible excuses to justify the situation, rather than denying it outright. Reaction formation is about expressing the opposite emotion to cover up the real one, not simply denying the reality.