Which defense mechanism involves refusing to accept reality or facts?

Denial is a defense mechanism that involves refusing to accept reality or facts that are too uncomfortable or distressing to acknowledge. When individuals use denial, they essentially reject the existence of a problem or the reality of a situation, allowing them to avoid confronting thoughts and feelings that may cause them anxiety or discomfort. This can manifest in various ways, such as refusing to believe one has a serious illness or ignoring evidence of a detrimental situation, like a failing relationship or substance abuse.

Though other defense mechanisms—such as repression, suppression, and projection—are also strategies to manage anxiety and emotional distress, they operate differently. Repression involves unconsciously pushing distressing thoughts and feelings out of awareness, while suppression is a conscious effort to block or suppress unwanted thoughts. Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to someone else. These mechanisms differ significantly from denial, as they do not involve outright refusal to acknowledge reality in the same way denial does.