According to Freud, which of the following is used to reduce anxiety?

• A. Self-actualization
• B. Operant conditioning
• C. Defense mechanisms
• D. Classical conditioning

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the question: It asks about Freud's theory and how anxiety is reduced according to him.
2. Recall that Freud's psychoanalytic theory emphasizes unconscious processes and internal conflicts, particularly involving the id, ego, and superego.
3. Identify that Freud proposed specific psychological strategies called defense mechanisms, which the ego uses to protect itself from anxiety caused by conflicting demands.
4. Recognize that defense mechanisms include behaviors like repression, denial, and projection, all aimed at reducing anxiety by distorting reality in some way.
5. Eliminate other options: Self-actualization is a concept from humanistic psychology, operant conditioning and classical conditioning are learning theories, not Freud's anxiety reduction methods.