What approach does defensive coping typically take?

Defensive coping typically involves a mechanism where individuals deny or minimize the significance of stressors in their lives. By refusing to acknowledge these stressors, individuals engage in a form of avoidance that can initially provide comfort or reduce anxiety associated with facing difficult realities. This method is often characterized by a lack of direct confrontation with the sources of stress, leading to a temporary sense of relief but potentially causing issues to persist or even worsen over time.

The nature of defensive coping highlights that this approach is not about actively addressing or managing stressors, but rather about evading acknowledgment of them, which distinguishes it from other strategies such as acceptance or proactive management of stress.