Terrence's father abandoned him and his mother when he was six years old.When 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 elements of Freudian theory would best explain Terrence's behavior?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Terrence's insistence that his father is dead despite attempts at contact suggests a defense mechanism. In this case, it could be denial, where he is protecting himself from the emotional pain of his father's abandonment by creating a false narrative that his father has passed away.

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