Question

Larry is doing poorly in his science class, and if something doesn't change, he will fail. Which of the following would qualify as a defense mechanism in this situation?

A.
Larry hires a tutor to get help with the concepts he isn’t understanding in class.
B.
Larry decides he isn't ready for the class, so he drops it and signs up for an introductory-level science class instead.
C.
Larry denies that he is behind and is convinced that he will ace the final without getting any help.
D.
Larry sets up an appointment with his professor to see what he can do to improve his score in the class.

Answer 1

C.

Larry's denial that he's behind and convinced he'll ace the final without help is a classic defense mechanism (denial). The other choices describe active, problem-focused coping (seeking a tutor or meeting the professor) or an adaptive decision to take a lower-level class.