Which defense mechanism involves making problems seem less severe than they actually are?

Which defense mechanism involves making problems seem less severe than they actually are?

• A. Minimizing
• B. Rationalizing
• C. Compensation
• D. Sublimation

Answer: (A)

Minimization is a defense that lowers the perceived severity of a problem to reduce anxiety. By telling themselves or others that “it’s not a big deal” or that the situation could have been worse, a person dampens emotional impact and preserves a sense of control in the moment. This helps them cope without needing to fully confront the distress surrounding the issue. In contrast, rationalizing offers logical justifications to explain away behavior or outcomes without addressing the emotional effect; compensation overemphasizes strengths to hide weaknesses; sublimation redirects unacceptable impulses into constructive, socially acceptable activities. So the option that best fits the description is minimization.

Minimization is a defense that lowers the perceived severity of a problem to reduce anxiety. By telling themselves or others that “it’s not a big deal” or that the situation could have been worse, a person dampens emotional impact and preserves a sense of control in the moment. This helps them cope without needing to fully confront the distress surrounding the issue. In contrast, rationalizing offers logical justifications to explain away behavior or outcomes without addressing the emotional effect; compensation overemphasizes strengths to hide weaknesses; sublimation redirects unacceptable impulses into constructive, socially acceptable activities. So the option that best fits the description is minimization.