Which term describes unconscious strategies used by the ego to protect itself from anxiety and perceived threats?

• A. Denial
• B. Projection
• C. Ego Defense Mechanisms
• D. Regression

Answer: (A)

Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies the ego uses to shield itself from anxiety and perceived threats. The prompt is asking for the term that describes these unconscious strategies in general, which is the umbrella label “Ego Defense Mechanisms.” Denial, projection, and regression are all specific examples within this broader category. For instance, denial involves refusing to accept reality, projection means attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts to others, and regression is retreating to earlier behaviors. But the best overall term that covers the entire set of unconscious protective strategies is Ego Defense Mechanisms, since it names the whole family rather than a single mechanism.