Which defense mechanism involves hiding feelings without acknowledgment?

The defense mechanism that involves consciously choosing to hide feelings without acknowledging their existence is suppression. When an individual suppresses emotions, they are aware of those feelings but intentionally choose not to express or engage with them. This mechanism allows a person to manage their emotional state and can help them cope with difficult situations in the short term, although it may lead to unresolved issues or feelings resurfacing later.

In contrast, other options represent different psychological responses. Displacement involves redirecting emotions from a source of stress to a target that is less threatening. Projection attributes one’s own unacceptable feelings to someone else. Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept the reality of a situation or the existence of their emotions. Each of these mechanisms serves a different purpose in how individuals cope with their feelings and stressors, but suppression specifically pertains to the conscious decision to not acknowledge one's own emotions while temporarily setting them aside.