What is it called when an emotional response is lessened due to a denial of the situation?

When an emotional response is lessened due to a denial of the situation, it is referred to as denial. Denial is a defense mechanism in which an individual refuses to accept reality or facts, thereby protecting themselves from having to deal with the emotional distress that the truth may invoke. By denying the existence of a problem or the severity of a situation, a person can minimize their emotional response, which can temporarily alleviate feelings of anxiety, guilt, or sadness.

In this context, denial provides a psychological buffer, allowing someone to function without confronting the harsh realities they may not be ready to accept. This mechanism can be common in various circumstances, such as coping with loss or facing traumatic events, where acknowledging the full extent of emotions can feel overwhelming.

The other concepts listed do not fit this definition. Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else, while regression entails reverting to behaviors characteristic of an earlier stage of development in response to stress. Displacement involves redirecting emotions from a target that is perceived as threatening to a safer substitute. Each of these mechanisms serves different functions in psychological coping strategies, separate from the experience of denial.