Resistance as a psychological term refers to what?

Resistance in the context of psychology, particularly in therapeutic settings, refers to a defensive stance that clients may adopt during the course of therapy. This often manifests as a reluctance or refusal to engage with certain topics, emotions, or issues that are significant for the therapeutic process. When a client exhibits resistance, it can hinder their progress as it acts as a shield against confronting painful or uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. This defensive mechanism can manifest in various ways, such as missing appointments, changing the subject during sessions, or expressing skepticism about the therapy itself. Understanding and addressing resistance is crucial for therapists, as it can provide insights into the client's fears and vulnerabilities, allowing for more effective intervention and support.

The other options capture different aspects of psychological experiences but do not specifically address the concept of resistance in therapy as thoroughly as the correct answer does. Struggling with change and blocking emotions can contribute to resistance but are broader terms that do not inherently imply the defensive aspect that is central to the term. A state of denial is related, but it focuses more on an outright rejection of reality rather than the nuanced defensive behaviors seen in therapeutic resistance.