Ego defense mechanisms are described as which of the following?

• A. Conscious coping strategies
• B. Unconscious psychological adaptive mechanisms
• C. They always cause denial
• D. Only used in childhood

Answer: (B)

Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological processes that the ego uses to protect a person from anxiety and to cope with difficult reality. They operate outside awareness, so individuals aren’t deliberately choosing them. By distorting, denying, or transforming aspects of experience, they reduce distress and help preserve self-esteem in the face of threat or conflict. They’re considered adaptive when used flexibly, but overuse or rigid reliance can impair reality testing or growth. Denial is just one possible form among many, and these mechanisms aren’t limited to childhood—they persist into adulthood.