When anxiety provoking memories are prevented from reaching conscious awareness, such as not remembering lying to parents, it is called ________.
A) denial
B) sublimation
C) repression
D) regression

Question

When anxiety provoking memories are prevented from reaching conscious awareness, such as not remembering lying to parents, it is called ________.
A) denial
B) sublimation 
C) repression 
D) regression

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Repression is the defense mechanism that involves keeping distressing or anxiety-provoking memories or thoughts outside of conscious awareness, such as not remembering lying to parents. Denial is a defense mechanism in which a person avoids accepting the reality, while sublimation is a defense mechanism where someone channels their unacceptable impulses or emotions in a socially acceptable way. Regression is a defense mechanism in which someone reverts to an earlier stage of development under stress.

When Anxiety Provoking Memories Are Prevented from Reaching Conscious Awareness