In the context of stress, when do defense mechanisms stop being helpful?

• A. When they increase self-awareness and emotional growth
• B. When they are used temporarily to cope with a stressful situation
• C. When they prevent individuals from addressing the underlying causes of their stress
• D. When they help individuals adapt to new challenges

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of defense mechanisms in psychology: they are unconscious strategies used by individuals to protect themselves from anxiety and stress.
2. Recognize that defense mechanisms can be helpful when they allow a person to cope temporarily with stress without causing harm.
3. Identify that defense mechanisms become unhelpful when they interfere with a person's ability to face and resolve the root causes of their stress.
4. Analyze the options given and focus on the one that highlights the negative impact of defense mechanisms preventing individuals from addressing underlying issues.
5. Conclude that defense mechanisms stop being helpful when they prevent individuals from addressing the underlying causes of their stress, as this hinders emotional growth and problem resolution.