The most powerful and pervasive defense mechanism is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Repression is considered the most powerful and pervasive defense mechanism as it involves the unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts, emotions, and impulses. It is a defense mechanism that can manifest in numerous ways such as forgetfulness, avoidance, and denial. Other defense mechanisms such as displacement and sublimation are more conscious and do not involve the complete blocking of thoughts or emotions. Fixation is not a defense mechanism but rather a term used in developmental psychology to describe an inability to progress past a particular stage of development.

The Most Powerful and Pervasive Defense Mechanism Is