coping mechanism

any conscious or nonconscious adjustment or adaptation that decreases tension and anxiety in a stressful experience or situation. Modifying maladaptive coping mechanisms is often the focus of psychological interventions. See also coping behavior; coping strategy.

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Psychology term of the day

March 14th 2025

flight into reality

a defensive reaction in which an individual becomes overinvolved in activity and work as an unconscious means of avoiding threatening situations or painful thoughts and feelings. Compare flight from reality; flight into fantasy.