A patient undergoing diagnostic tests says, "Nothing is wrong with me except a stubborn chest cold." The spouse reports the patient smokes, coughs daily, lost 15 pounds, and is easily fatigued. Which defense mechanism is the patient using?
A) Displacement
B) Regression
C) Projection
D) Denial

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Denial is an unconscious blocking of threatening or painful information or feelings. Regression involves using behaviors appropriate at an earlier stage of psychosexual development. Displacement shifts feelings to a more neutral person or object. Projection attributes one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to another.

A Patient Undergoing Diagnostic Tests Says, "Nothing Is Wrong with Me