Suppression is defined as consciously repressing thoughts. Which defense mechanism is described by this definition?

• A. Altruism
• B. Sublimation
• C. Suppression
• D. Humor

Answer: (C)

This question tests how a person manages anxious material by controlling what remains in conscious awareness. Suppression is a voluntary, deliberate choice to keep distressing thoughts out of awareness and focus on something else. For example, deciding not to dwell on a worry before a big presentation and instead concentrating on the task at hand illustrates suppression. This differs from repression, which is automatic and unconscious, pushing unacceptable thoughts out of consciousness without awareness. Sublimation redirects urges into socially acceptable activities, humor uses wit to cope with distress, and altruism involves helping others to manage one’s own feelings. Because this mechanism relies on a conscious, intentional act of blocking thoughts, suppression is the best fit for the described definition.