Which defense mechanism involves putting off confronting a distressing situation?

Which defense mechanism involves putting off confronting a distressing situation?

• A. Withdrawal
• B. Avoidance
• C. Suppression
• D. Rationalization

Answer: (A)

The defense mechanism that involves putting off confronting a distressing situation is avoidance. This mechanism entails a conscious decision to evade dealing with a stressful issue or emotion, often leading individuals to avoid the situation altogether, whether physically or mentally. It allows a person to escape anxiety or discomfort by sidestepping the source of their distress. In contrast, withdrawal can involve emotionally detaching from a situation rather than actively avoiding it, such as pulling back from interactions or engagement but not necessarily postponing confrontation with a distressing situation. Suppression refers to the conscious decision to not think about or engage with certain thoughts or feelings but can often be a temporary measure rather than a complete avoidance. Rationalization involves justifying behavior or feelings in a way that makes them seem reasonable, without addressing the underlying distress directly. Thus, avoidance is specifically about delaying confrontation and is the most fitting choice in this context.

The defense mechanism that involves putting off confronting a distressing situation is avoidance. This mechanism entails a conscious decision to evade dealing with a stressful issue or emotion, often leading individuals to avoid the situation altogether, whether physically or mentally. It allows a person to escape anxiety or discomfort by sidestepping the source of their distress.

In contrast, withdrawal can involve emotionally detaching from a situation rather than actively avoiding it, such as pulling back from interactions or engagement but not necessarily postponing confrontation with a distressing situation. Suppression refers to the conscious decision to not think about or engage with certain thoughts or feelings but can often be a temporary measure rather than a complete avoidance. Rationalization involves justifying behavior or feelings in a way that makes them seem reasonable, without addressing the underlying distress directly. Thus, avoidance is specifically about delaying confrontation and is the most fitting choice in this context.