Orlando has recently felt a few pangs of pain in his upper molars, and on two occasions has been unable to eat. "It's probably nothing. I don't need to go to the dentist," he tells himself. Orlando has had a fear of dental work for many years, and is unconsciously terrified that he may need a root canal. Which defense mechanism is he currently employing as he refuses to accept that he may need extensive dental work?
A) Intellectualization
B) Rationalization
C) Denial
D) Repression

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Orlando is using the defense mechanism of denial by refusing to accept that he may need extensive dental work. He is ignoring the pain in his upper molars and convincing himself that it is probably nothing. This is a common defense mechanism used to avoid facing a difficult or uncomfortable reality.

Orlando Has Recently Felt a Few Pangs of Pain in His