The junior class at a local high school was stunned when an alcohol-impaired driver missed a turn and caused a fatal accident involving a classmate.The school crisis team noted that many classmates responded in ways that seemed to indicate that they were invulnerable to this kind of tragedy because "They were careful drivers who always wore seatbelts." The crisis team concluded that these students were using the defense mechanism called

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The students' belief that they are immune to tragedy because they are careful drivers and always wear seatbelts is a classic example of denial, a defense mechanism in which individuals refuse to accept or acknowledge a painful or distressing reality. By denying the possibility of being harmed, these students are able to feel more secure and in control, even in the face of a tragic event.

The Junior Class at a Local High School Was Stunned