Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What is a defense mechanism?

1. A trigger for positive behavioral change

2. A method the id uses to gain power

3. A process the ego uses to reduce anxiety from internal conflict

4. A strategy for improving communication skills

The correct answer is: A process the ego uses to reduce anxiety from internal conflict

A defense mechanism is a psychological strategy employed by the ego to manage internal conflicts and reduce anxiety. It operates unconsciously, allowing individuals to cope with stressors or emotional disturbances by distorting reality or suppressing uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. This process is critical for maintaining psychological balance and emotional well-being, particularly when faced with situations that induce significant stress or anxiety. The role of defense mechanisms is especially relevant in the context of addiction counseling, where clients often experience internal conflicts between their desires for substance use and the implications of that behavior. Understanding defense mechanisms can help counselors recognize emotional responses and provide appropriate guidance and intervention. Options indicating a trigger for positive behavioral change, a method used by the id to gain power, or a strategy for improving communication skills do not accurately describe the function of defense mechanisms. These options touch on different aspects of psychological processes but do not encapsulate the primary function of defense mechanisms as the ego's way to protect itself from anxiety and conflict.