Terrence's father abandoned his mother and him when he was 6 years-old. When he is asked about his father, he says that his father died. Although his father has tried to contact him, Terrence insists that his father is dead. Which of the following Freudian processes would best explain Terrence's behaviour?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Terrence is using a defense mechanism called denial to cope with the abandonment of his father. He denies the reality of his father's existence and insists he is dead. This defense mechanism protects him from the painful emotions associated with his father's abandonment.

Terrence's Father Abandoned His Mother and Him When He Was