Mahmoud was just told that his father has cancer. Mahmoud's first response is that there must be a mistake and he demands that the doctor repeat his tests. Which defense mechanism is at work here?
A) reaction formation
B) denial
C) repression
D) undoing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mahmoud's response of demanding that the doctor repeat the tests indicates that he is in a state of denial, where he is refusing to accept the reality of his father's illness. This is a common defense mechanism used to protect oneself from the pain of a stressful situation.

Mahmoud Was Just Told That His Father Has Cancer