An honors student is caught stealing money from his teacher's desk. The teacher tells the student to report after school to discuss the incident. However, when the student arrives later that day, he cannot remember doing what the teacher accuses him of. This is an example of
A) repression.
B) sublimation.
C) displacement.
D) denial.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Repression is a defense mechanism in which a person blocks out painful or anxiety-inducing memories or experiences from their consciousness. In this scenario, the student might be repressing the memory of stealing from their teacher as a way to avoid feelings of guilt or shame. The fact that they cannot remember the incident suggests that they may be trying to push the memory out of their conscious awareness.

An Honors Student Is Caught Stealing Money from His Teacher's