Final answer:
Intellectualization is the process of focusing on the intellectual aspects to avoid the emotional aspects of a difficult situation, and is one of several defense mechanisms people use to protect themselves from stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of concentrating on intellectual aspects to avoid emotional aspects of a difficult situation is referred to as Intellectualization. This is a defense mechanism where an individual focuses on the rational and logical aspects of a situation, thereby distancing themselves from the stressful emotions associated with that situation. Intellectualization involves engaging in excessive abstraction to avoid confronting uncomfortable feelings.
By comparison, Rationalization involves justifying behaviors by substituting acceptable reasons for less-acceptable real reasons, whereas Displacement is about transferring inappropriate urges or behaviors onto a more acceptable or less threatening target. These are all defense mechanisms but serve different psychological functions.