A defence mechanism by which people push unacceptable, anxiety provoking thoughts and impulses into the unconscious to avoid confronting them directly.

Repression

The correct answer is Option 4: Repression

• Repression is a defense mechanism where a person pushes anxiety-provoking thoughts, feelings, and impulses into the unconscious.

• It helps the person avoid confronting painful or unacceptable memories and desires directly.

The other options:

• Projection ➔ Attributing your own unacceptable feelings to someone else.

• Denial ➔ Refusing to accept reality or facts.

• Reaction formation ➔ Behaving in a way that is exactly opposite to one's unacceptable thoughts.