Final answer:
Subception, according to Rogers, allows us to protect our self-concept without the awareness of doing so. It is an unconscious process similar to Freud's defense mechanisms that helps an individual preserve their self-image against perceived threats.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Rogers, subception allows us to C) Protect our self-concept without awareness. Subception is a process by which an individual can protect their self-image from threats without becoming consciously aware of the threat itself. It's similar to what Freud described as defense mechanisms, which are unconscious protective behaviors designed to reduce ego anxiety. Instances of subception occur when the brain, without conscious acknowledgement, resorts to unconscious strivings to maintain a congruence between our real self and ideal self, protecting us from feelings of anxiety or threat to our ego. Therefore, subception operates below the level of conscious perception, allowing one to deflect or avoid psychological threats seamlessly without direct acknowledgment of what is being defended against.