What is Freud's term for the unconscious efforts by the ego to deny or distort reality and maintain self-esteem when unconscious conflict becomes too intense?

A) false cognitions
B) coping techniques
C) disordered thinking
D) defense mechanisms

Unconscious Efforts

Actions or processes that occur without conscious awareness or intention, driven by the unconscious mind.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used by individuals to cope with reality and to maintain self-image, often unconsciously.

Reality

The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them.