Denial can serve both as a defense mechanism that allows patients to avoid the immediate implications of an illness and as a way to mask the fear associated with a chronic disease. However, it may also help the patient control his or her emotional reaction. On the downside, denial can also inhibit the success of medical treatments for chronic illness. Therefore, answer D provides the most comprehensive and accurate explanation.

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Denial

Question 16

Multiple Choice

Denial

A) inhibits the success of medical treatments for chronic illness.
B) may help the patient control her or his emotional reaction.
C) can mask the fear associated with a chronic disease.
D) is a defense mechanism that allows a patient to avoid the immediate implications, and can mask the fear associated with a chronic disease, however it may help the patient control his or her emotional reaction.
E) is a defense mechanism that allows the patient to avoid the immediate implications of an illness.

Correct Answer: