A pattern of adjustment followed by an individual to relieve anxiety is known as ?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Explanation

A defense mechanism is the correct term for an unconscious pattern of adjustment used to relieve anxiety.
These are automatic psychological processes that protect an individual from stress and from the awareness of internal or external dangers (SRC_2).
The primary purpose is to protect one's self-esteem and reduce anxiety by distorting reality in some way (SRC_1).

Option A: Acceptance is a conscious process of acknowledging reality, not an unconscious pattern of adjustment to relieve anxiety. It is a coping strategy, not a defense mechanism.
Option B: Denial is a specific type of defense mechanism, not the general term for all such patterns. The question asks for the broad category.
Option C: Compensation is also a specific type of defense mechanism, not the overarching term. It involves covering up a weakness by emphasizing a more desirable trait (SRC_1).

Visual 1: Flowchart - A diagram showing 'Anxiety' as a trigger leading to the activation of 'Defense Mechanisms'.
Visual 2: Hierarchy Diagram - A chart with 'Defense Mechanisms' at the top, branching down into different categories (e.g., Mature, Immature) and then to specific examples like Denial, Compensation, and Sublimation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition and types of psychological defense mechanisms as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to recognize defense mechanisms in patients to better understand their behavior and emotional state.
Identifying whether a patient is using adaptive (e.g., sublimation) or maladaptive (e.g., denial) mechanisms can guide nursing interventions and communication strategies (SRC_1).
Recognizing these patterns helps the nurse to not take certain patient behaviors (like displacement of anger) personally and to respond therapeutically.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concepts in the question stem: 'pattern of adjustment' and 'relieve anxiety'.
Recognize that the question is asking for a general, overarching term, not a specific example.
Evaluate the options. 'Denial' and 'Compensation' are specific examples of psychological strategies.
'Acceptance' is a conscious coping strategy, which is different from the typically unconscious nature of defense mechanisms.
'Defense mechanism' is the broad, umbrella term that encompasses patterns like denial and compensation.
Therefore, 'Defense mechanism' is the most accurate and comprehensive answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.