Defense Mechanism

A defense mechanism is an unconscious mental process that helps individuals protect themselves from anxiety, conflict, or unpleasant emotions by distorting reality in subtle ways. In psychology, these mechanisms, first described by Freud, range from primitive responses like denial to more mature ones like intellectualization, and they're often analyzed in therapy to foster healthier coping. Today, the concept extends beyond psychoanalysis into everyday self-awareness tools for managing stress.