Question

Psychoanalytic theory suggests that the ego disguises threatening impulses and reduces anxiety by means of?

1) free association
2) self-actualization
3) unconditional positive regard
4) defense mechanisms
5) learned helplessness

Answer 1

The ego uses defense mechanisms as unconscious protective behaviors to disguise threatening impulses and reduce anxiety.

Step-by-step explanation:

Psychoanalytic theory suggests that the ego disguises threatening impulses and reduces anxiety by means of defense mechanisms. These are unconscious protective behaviors that aim to reduce anxiety by distorting reality. When an individual experiences events, feelings, or desires that cause anxiety, the ego employs various defense mechanisms to protect itself and maintain balance. For instance, repression is a defense mechanism where anxiety-related thoughts and memories are pushed into the unconscious mind. Another example is regression, where an individual returns to a more immature behavioral stage when confronted with anxiety. Through such mechanisms, the ego attempts to reconcile the demands of the id and superego with the reality principle.