Gene has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. When he describes the diagnosis to his wife, he speaks unemotionally about the type of cellular mechanisms involved in the cancer. He is likely using the ____________ defense mechanism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gene is using intellectualization by focusing on the technical details and cellular mechanisms of his cancer diagnosis rather than confronting the emotional aspects and implications of the diagnosis. This defense mechanism involves dealing with emotional stress by engaging in excessive abstract thinking to avoid confronting the emotional aspect directly.

Gene Has Just Been Diagnosed with Terminal Cancer