In Freudian theory, defense mechanisms serve primarily to which of the following?

• A. Protect the ego by reducing anxiety.
• B. Increase anxiety to promote growth.
• C. Create new memories.
• D. Improve working memory.

Answer: (A)

Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies the ego uses to manage internal conflicts and reduce anxiety from unacceptable impulses or painful situations. By distorting or denying reality and keeping distress at a manageable level, they protect the ego from psychic pain and help maintain psychological balance. That’s why the correct description is that defense mechanisms protect the ego by reducing anxiety. The other ideas don’t fit Freudian theory: increasing anxiety would defeat their purpose, while creating new memories or improving working memory are cognitive processes unrelated to how defense mechanisms function.