Question

A cocaine-dependent client admits being fired from his job for

absenteeism, losing his home and car by defaulting on his loans, and associating only with peers who use cocaine. He states that he does not require residential treatment because his problem is not serious enough. He further states that he has lost his house and car because his wife didn't work enough hours. Which defense mechanisms is this client displaying?
a. Projection, denial, and displacement
b. Denial, minimalization, and rationalization
c. Sublimination, displacement, and compensation
d. Identification, minimization, and sublimination

Answer 1

The client is employing denial, minimization, and rationalization defense mechanisms by not acknowledging the severity of his addiction, downplaying the need for treatment, and blaming external factors for his losses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cocaine-dependent client mentioned is displaying several defense mechanisms, specifically denial, minimization, and rationalization. Denial is evident as the client refuses to acknowledge the severity of his addiction despite significant consequences such as job loss, losing his home, and social isolation. Minimization is shown by his belief that the problem is "not serious enough" for residential treatment despite these life-altering losses. Lastly, rationalization occurs when the client blames external factors, like his wife not working enough hours, for losing his house and car, redirecting the blame for the consequences of his drug use.