Which concept refers to the coping mechanism of denying one's true feelings or reality?

The concept that refers to the coping mechanism of denying one's true feelings or reality is denial. Denial is a psychological defense mechanism employed when individuals refuse to accept the reality of a situation or the truth of their feelings, often as a way to protect themselves from emotional distress.

In practice, when a person uses denial, they may minimize the seriousness of a problem or refuse to acknowledge that a problem exists at all. This can manifest in various settings, such as someone with a substance abuse issue who insists that they do not have a problem, or a person facing illness who might ignore symptoms for fear of what they may mean.

Denying true feelings can hinder emotional processing and may prevent individuals from addressing underlying issues, leading to more significant problems over time. Understanding denial as a coping mechanism is vital in both therapeutic contexts and personal development, as it highlights the need for individuals to confront their feelings and reality to move towards healthier coping strategies.