Question

Anna’s husband dies, and she continues to set a place for him at the dinner table. This is an example of

• A. repression
• B. denial
• C. problem-focused coping
• D. projection adaptation

Hint:

Denial is the most primitive defense mechanism, often seen in the early stages of grief.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies used to protect an individual from anxiety arising from unacceptable thoughts or feelings.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Denial involves refusing to recognize or acknowledge a painful reality or obvious truth.
By setting a place for her deceased husband, Anna is behaving as though the death has not occurred to protect herself from the intense pain of loss.
Repression (a) would involve unconsciously "forgetting" the event entirely.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Acting as if a traumatic event never happened is the core characteristic of denial.