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Definition: Denial is the refusal to accept reality or facts, acting as if a painful event, thought, or feeling does not exist. Example: An adolescent who is failing classes may insist and truly believe they are doing well, refusing to acknowledge the poor grades.

Definition: Rationalization involves justifying or rationalizing one's behavior or feelings in a seemingly logical or rational manner, avoiding the true reasons for the behavior. Example: A student who blames a poor test score on the teacher's lack of clarity rather than their own lack of preparation.

Definition: Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person. Example: An adolescent who is angry at their parents may accuse them of being angry instead.

Definition: Repression is unconsciously blocking unpleasant feelings, desires, or experiences from one's awareness. Example: A teenager who experienced trauma as a child may be unable to recall the traumatic event.

Definition: Displacement involves transferring feelings about one person or situation to another, less threatening one. Example: An adolescent upset with their parents may take out their frustration on a sibling.

Definition: Reaction formation involves behaving in a way that is opposite to the feelings one actually harbors. Example: A teenager who actually dislikes someone might act overly friendly towards them.

Definition: Regression occurs when an individual reverts to an earlier stage of psychological development. Example: An adolescent under stress may start to exhibit childhood behaviors, such as bedwetting.

Definition: Sublimation is the channeling of unacceptable impulses or emotions into more acceptable activities. Example: A teenager with aggressive tendencies might take up a sport like boxing for a healthy outlet.

Definition: Fantasy involves gratifying frustrated desires by imaginary achievements. Example: An adolescent daydreaming about being a celebrity instead of dealing with academic pressures.