Question

When she was 8 years old, Inge was sexually abused by her uncle. At 14, Inge felt uncomfortable whenever she saw this uncle but was unable to understand why she felt this way. A psychoanalyst would be most likely to suggest that Inge is using the defense mechanism of?

1) repression
2) reaction formation
3) rationalization
4) regression
5) displacement

Answer 1

In psychoanalytic theory, Inge is likely using the defense mechanism of repression to unconsciously block out her traumatic experience of sexual abuse.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to psychoanalytic theory, the defense mechanism most likely being used by Inge, who feels uncomfortable around her uncle due to a history of sexual abuse that she cannot consciously recall, is repression. Repression involves unconsciously blocking out painful or traumatic experiences. This can lead to forgetfulness or a lack of conscious awareness regarding the distressing events. It is a way for the ego to protect the individual from the anxiety that would result from recalling these memories.