Which of the following defense mechanisms is characterized by blocking the awareness of unacceptable feelings?

Repression is a defense mechanism that involves subconsciously blocking awareness of unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or desires. This means that a person may experience anxiety or discomfort associated with certain emotions or memories, but they are not aware of these feelings because they have been repressed. The primary function of repression is to protect the individual from experiencing distress and to maintain psychological equilibrium.

In the context of mental health, repression can impact a person's behavior and emotional responses. For example, an individual may not consciously recognize deep-seated fears or traumatic experiences, leading to symptoms like anxiety, depression, or other psychological issues. The unconscious nature of repression often means that individuals may not realize they are employing this defense mechanism, making it particularly challenging for mental health professionals to address during therapy.

Other mechanisms, such as displacement, projection, and rationalization, involve different processes. Displacement shifts emotional responses from a threatening object to a safer one. Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or emotions to others. Rationalization provides a logical explanation for behaviors that are actually motivated by irrational or emotional factors. Each defense mechanism serves a unique purpose in how individuals cope with internal conflicts, but repression specifically focuses on blocking awareness of unacceptable feelings.