Final answer:
The term that describes the coping mechanism where a patient does not want to accept the truth of what is occurring is denial.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes the coping mechanism where a patient does not want to accept the truth of what is occurring is denial.
Kübler-Ross Stages
In the context of dealing with dying, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross proposed a model with five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Denial is the initial stage where individuals refuse to accept the reality of their situation, often thinking thoughts like 'I feel fine' or 'This is not happening to me.'
Denial is a defense mechanism that helps protect the person from overwhelming emotions and can be considered a natural reaction to distressing news. It allows individuals to gradually process and come to terms with the reality.