How is a defense mechanism defined in psychology?

A defense mechanism is best defined as an unconscious reaction that blocks unpleasant feelings or anxiety. This concept, rooted in psychoanalytic theory, primarily focuses on how individuals protect themselves from emotional pain or psychological conflict. Defense mechanisms operate at an unconscious level, meaning that people are typically unaware that they are using these strategies to manage stress or emotional discomfort.

For example, someone might use denial to refuse to acknowledge a painful reality, or repression to push distressing thoughts out of conscious awareness. Both of these are protective measures that help an individual cope with difficult emotions without having to confront them directly. This unconscious nature distinguishes defense mechanisms from other strategies that may involve conscious thought processes or rational coping.

Understanding that these mechanisms are primarily unconscious highlights their instinctive nature, which sets them apart from more intentional emotional regulation strategies or logical coping techniques. Thus, stating that a defense mechanism is an unconscious reaction to block unpleasant feelings accurately captures the essence of the concept in psychological terms.