Asked by Caitlin Wright on Jun 10, 2024

verifed

Verified

Terrence's father abandoned him and his mother when he was six years old.When asked about his father, he says that his father died.Although his father has tried to contact him, Terrence insists that his father is dead.Which of the following elements of Freudian theory would best explain Terrence's behavior?

A) Electra complex
B) Oedipus complex
C) Defense mechanism
D) Penis envy

Defense Mechanism

Psychological strategies brought into play by the unconscious mind to manipulate, deny, or distort reality in order to defend against feelings of anxiety and unacceptable impulses and to maintain one's self-schema.

Freudian Theory

A set of psychoanalytic theories developed by Sigmund Freud, which emphasize the importance of unconscious processes and childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior.

  • Recognize the development and role of defense mechanisms according to Freudian theory.
verifed

Verified Answer

PB
Pawan BhullarJun 12, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Terrence's insistence that his father is dead despite attempts at contact suggests a defense mechanism. In this case, it could be denial, where he is protecting himself from the emotional pain of his father's abandonment by creating a false narrative that his father has passed away.