ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam

Which term describes unconscious psychological activities aimed at excluding unacceptable thoughts from awareness?

1. Defense Mechanisms

2. Coping Strategies

3. Survival Instincts

4. Emotional Regulation

The correct answer is: Defense Mechanisms

The term that describes unconscious psychological activities aimed at excluding unacceptable thoughts from awareness is defense mechanisms. These are mental processes that operate unconsciously to protect an individual from anxiety and uncomfortable thoughts or feelings. They help the individual cope with reality and maintain psychological stability. Defense mechanisms can take various forms, such as repression, where thoughts are pushed out of conscious awareness; denial, in which a person refuses to accept reality; or projection, where one attributes their own unacceptable feelings to others. By using these mechanisms, individuals can avoid facing difficult emotions or thoughts, allowing them to function in daily life without being overwhelmed by anxiety or distress. In contrast, coping strategies involve more conscious efforts to manage stress or problems, often involving active engagement with the issue rather than exclusion of thoughts. Survival instincts refer to basic innate behaviors ensuring self-preservation and are not specifically tied to psychological processes managing unacceptable thoughts. Emotional regulation encompasses the processes by which individuals influence their emotional experiences but is broader and not limited to the unconscious exclusion of thoughts.