Understanding Denial as a Psychological Defense Mechanism

Kendra Cherry, MS, is an expert in psychosocial rehabilitation, a psychology educator, and author of the comprehensive "Everything Psychology Book."

Denial is a psychological defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept the reality of a situation in order to shield themselves from anxiety and distress. Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies people employ to manage emotional pain or difficult feelings. Specifically, denial involves rejecting facts or the consequences of those facts to avoid emotional discomfort.

When someone is in denial, it usually indicates difficulty in accepting a challenging or overwhelming truth. While denial can provide temporary relief by granting time to adjust to sudden changes, it can also hinder progress if it prevents addressing important issues or seeking necessary assistance.

Originally identified by Sigmund Freud, denial is described as the refusal to acknowledge distressing realities, whether external events or internal experiences such as memories, thoughts, and emotions.

Recognizing Signs of Denial

There are several indicators that may suggest you or someone else is employing denial as a coping mechanism:

• Avoiding conversations about the problem.
• Rationalizing or justifying one’s behavior.
• Assigning blame to others or external circumstances.
• Continuing harmful behaviors despite negative outcomes.
• Making promises to address the issue later without follow-through.
• Evading thoughts related to the problem.

Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness often accompany denial. Although there is an awareness of an issue, there is a belief that efforts to change the situation will be ineffective. When others offer help or advice, those in denial may dismiss concerns or pretend to agree without intention to act.

Why Denial Occurs

Denial serves as a protective mechanism to reduce anxiety by avoiding the acknowledgment of stressful or painful realities. It helps individuals temporarily escape confronting fears, conflicts, or threats by minimizing the perceived severity or existence of a problem.

This mechanism can be particularly prevalent in certain mental health conditions, such as substance use disorders, alcohol dependency, and narcissistic personality disorder, where denial helps individuals avoid facing the true extent of their challenges.

By denying problems, individuals may continue harmful behaviors without addressing underlying issues, which can exacerbate their situation.

Illustrative Examples of Denial

Denial often manifests in various ways, including:

• A person refusing to acknowledge an alcohol or drug problem because they maintain daily responsibilities.
• Someone grieving a sudden loss who cannot accept the death initially, a natural part of the grieving process.
• Deflecting blame after causing hurt by insisting the other person provoked the reaction.
• Avoiding mental health treatment due to reluctance to admit symptoms or challenges.
• Disbelieving the seriousness of a chronic or terminal illness diagnosis, potentially interfering with treatment adherence.

The Effects of Denial

Denial can serve a beneficial short-term purpose by allowing a person to gradually come to terms with difficult realities without becoming overwhelmed. For instance, temporarily denying a health concern may help maintain calmness while seeking professional advice.

However, prolonged denial can be detrimental, leading to worsening health conditions or delayed mental health care, which may result in more severe consequences.

Approaches to Overcoming Denial

Addressing denial depends on the individual and the situation. Many people eventually accept reality with time and supportive environments. Therapeutic interventions, such as psychotherapy and support groups, can facilitate this process.

Psychodynamic therapy, in particular, helps individuals recognize defense mechanisms like denial, fostering greater self-awareness and healthier coping strategies.

If you suspect denial is hindering your progress, consider the following steps:

• Reflect on the fears that make facing the problem difficult.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of avoiding the issue.
• Discuss your feelings with trusted friends or family for objective insights.
• Identify and challenge distorted thoughts contributing to your anxiety.

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Final Thoughts from Verywell

Denial is a natural response to anxiety-provoking situations, but developing effective coping skills is essential for confronting fears constructively. If denial impedes your ability to manage physical or mental health issues, seeking professional help or joining support groups can be valuable.

When supporting loved ones in denial, focus on empathy and offer assistance rather than pressuring them. Listening and accompanying them to professional consultations can encourage acceptance and healing.

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Verywell Mind relies on high-quality, peer-reviewed sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Our editorial process ensures that all content is trustworthy and evidence-based.

1. Costa RM. Denial (Defense mechanism). In: Zeigler-Hill V, Shackelford TK, eds. Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer International Publishing; 2017:1-3. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_1373-1

2. Bailey R, Pico J. Defense Mechanisms. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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