What is a defense mechanism?

A defense mechanism is fundamentally a psychological strategy that individuals use to protect themselves from anxiety, emotional pain, or uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. It serves as a way for individuals to cope with reality and maintain self-image, thereby acting as a shield against stressors.

When facing situations that trigger emotional distress, people subconsciously employ these mechanisms to avoid confronting painful feelings directly. This can manifest in various forms such as denial, repression, projection, and rationalization, all aimed at safeguarding one’s emotional state.

The emphasis on the protective aspect aligns well with the definition of defense mechanisms, underscoring their role in ensuring mental well-being rather than enabling harmful behaviors or self-harm, making the second choice the most accurate representation of what a defense mechanism is.