The Psychology Of Denial: Exploring The Science Behind This Defense Mechanism

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you struggled to accept the truth? Maybe you denied a reality that seemed too painful to confront or refused to acknowledge a mistake you made.

While denial may seem like a simple term of familiarity, it is a complex concept that has long fascinated psychologists—with its roots in Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. At its core, denial refers to the refusal to accept reality or the facts. It is a defense mechanism that people may use to protect themselves from uncomfortable truths.

Understanding denial as a defense mechanism and its role in your life may help you better navigate the difficult process of accepting uncomfortable truths and identify more effective ways to cope with challenging situations. To get started, it may be valuable to investigate the psychology behind denial, its connection to mental health, and how to get support if denial is impacting your life. 

The origins of denial in psychological theory

When encountering information or realities that challenge your worldview, it can be natural to experience a sense of discomfort. Sigmund Freud, widely known as the father of psychoanalysis, recognized this discomfort and developed the concept of defense mechanisms, which the ego uses to protect itself. Anna Freud, Sigmund Freud’s daughter, expanded on this idea and classified and analyzed defense mechanisms further. 

Denial occurs when you dismiss external reality to avoid facing its uncomfortable truths. Some examples of denial could include denying the presence of a severe health problem or a dire financial situation. 

Defense mechanisms are often put into three categories, ranging from the least adaptive to the most adaptive: immature, neurotic, and mature. Denial is often considered an “immature” defense mechanism. 

Denial in psychological disorders and cognitive bias

While denial can be a way to reduce emotional discomfort at times, it can be maladaptive and dangerous when used excessively. Below are a few examples of denial as a symptom of various mental health conditions. 

Substance use disorders 

Individuals with certain psychological disorders may rely on denial to cope with their condition or avoid confronting the symptoms they're experiencing. For instance, denial can often be present in individuals experiencing substance use disorder or addiction. Some individuals living with addiction may deny the extent of their substance use or its impact on their lives and the lives of others. This denial can be a significant barrier to seeking treatment and support.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Eating disorders 

Similarly, in eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, denial is often a common defense mechanism. Individuals may deny the seriousness of their condition, the need for help, or the fact that their eating patterns are harmful.

Other mental health conditions 

Denial can also be present in other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety disorders. Researchers have shown that excessive use of immature defense mechanisms, including denial, projection, and splitting, is common in these conditions. Someone with depression might deny feeling sad or hopeless, while someone with an anxiety disorder might downplay their fears or worries.

Cognitive biases and denial 

Cognitive biases may contribute to denial. Confirmation bias, for instance, involves seeking information confirming pre-existing beliefs or ideas and ignoring information that might challenge them. This bias might lead individuals to surround themselves with opinions and facts that support their denial.

Optimism bias, which involves overestimating the likelihood of positive outcomes and underestimating negative ones, can also fuel denial. For example, someone might deny the possibility of negative consequences or potential risks associated with a decision they're about to make.

Another cognitive bias that can contribute to denial is the Dunning-Kruger effect, wherein individuals with low ability at a task overestimate their ability. Refusing to accept their limitations or the reality of a situation can lead to adverse consequences. By understanding the origins, psychological implications, and cognitive biases linked to denial, you can take steps to address it healthily.  

Getting help for denial 

Identifying your defense mechanisms and recognizing when they become unhelpful may help you cope with difficult emotions more effectively. However, this process can be challenging independently, especially if denial is deeply entrenched. It can be challenging to recognize and admit when experiencing denial, and perhaps even more so to face the uncomfortable truths head-on. 

For support in this process, it may be helpful to try a flexible and convenient form of support like online therapy. Digging into denial and the situation it may have formed around can be emotionally challenging. For some people, it may be easier to dive into these topics in a space where they are already comfortable. With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you can have therapy sessions wherever you feel most at ease, including the comfort of your own home. 

A licensed therapist can provide guidance and support to help you move past denial and take meaningful action, and research has demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy for related concerns. For instance, a 2021 study found that online therapy can be effective in reducing psychological distress and enhancing self-efficacy and mindfulness, all of which can be valuable for individuals who may be using denial to try to manage distress. Online therapy can help individuals confront uncomfortable truths and learn to cope with difficult situations more productively.