Question

Ina can no longer read the street signs, but she refuses to admit she needs glasses to drive. Which defense mechanism does this exemplify?

a) Denial
b) Displacement
c) Regression
d) Rationalization

Answer 1

Ina's behavior of not admitting her need for glasses despite poor vision exemplifies the defense mechanism of denial. Denial involves ignoring reality to avoid uncomfortable emotions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ina’s refusal to admit that she needs glasses to drive, despite being unable to read street signs, is an example of denial. This defense mechanism involves refusing to accept reality or facts, to avoid dealing with uncomfortable feelings or events. In Ina’s case, by not acknowledging the need for glasses, she is denying the fact that her vision has deteriorated, which could be due to various reasons including aging or eye conditions like presbyopia, wherein the flexibility of the lens is reduced, often requiring individuals over 55 to use reading glasses.