What defense mechanism involves an individual being unable or refusing to see things as they are due to threats to the self?

Denial is a defense mechanism characterized by an individual's refusal or inability to accept reality or facts, often as a way to shield the self from anxiety or distressing truths. When faced with threats to the self, such as overwhelming emotions or challenging situations, a person may resort to denial to protect their ego and maintain a sense of safety. This can manifest as ignoring evidence, minimizing problems, or refusing to acknowledge feelings or situations that are uncomfortable or frightening.

For instance, in situations of significant loss or trauma, a person might deny the impact of the event on their life, insisting that everything is fine even when it is clearly not. This form of defense allows the individual to avoid confronting their fears and vulnerabilities, thereby creating a temporary escape from distress.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of this defense mechanism. Emotion, while relevant to individuals’ experiences, does not describe a defense mechanism in itself. Displacement refers to redirecting emotions from a threatening object to a safer one, and death anxiety pertains specifically to the fear of death, which may not universally apply to all situations involving denial. Hence, denial becomes the clear choice for this question.