Which aspect is considered a defense mechanism to prevent anxiety?

Denial is a defense mechanism that allows individuals to protect themselves from anxiety by refusing to accept reality or facts about a situation that is distressing. This mechanism helps to shield the individual from overwhelming feelings or experiences that they may not be ready to face. For example, a person might deny a serious health diagnosis, allowing them to temporarily avoid the anxiety associated with that reality. In this context, denial serves as a way to cope with emotional pain or distress by creating a psychological barrier against unwanted feelings.

Disorientation refers to confusion regarding time, place, or identity, and does not function as a defense mechanism. Dyspnea is the medical term for difficulty breathing and is typically a physical symptom rather than a psychological response. Ataxia refers to a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, which is unrelated to defense mechanisms and anxiety. Hence, the focus on denial aligns with established psychological theories of defense mechanisms within behavioral health.