According to the psychodynamic perspective on personality, defense mechanisms primarily function to do which of the following?

• A. Promote rational decision-making in stressful situations
• B. Enhance conscious awareness of internal conflicts
• C. Increase the accuracy of memory recall
• D. Protect the individual from anxiety by unconsciously distorting reality

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the psychodynamic perspective, founded by Freud, emphasizes unconscious processes and internal conflicts in shaping personality.
2. Recognize that defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies used by the ego to manage anxiety arising from conflicts between the id, ego, and superego.
3. Identify that the primary function of defense mechanisms is to protect the individual from experiencing anxiety or psychological distress.
4. Note that defense mechanisms achieve this protection by unconsciously distorting or altering reality, rather than promoting conscious awareness or rational decision-making.
5. Conclude that the correct function of defense mechanisms is to shield the individual from anxiety by unconsciously modifying their perception of reality.