Defense Mechanisms

Gordy has been a smoker for many years. He used to smoke cigarettes only at parties when he was having a drink but his habit has grown. He now smokes 2 packs a day. Recently, he began to have some difficulty breathing so his primary doctor had him see a specialist that ran some preliminary tests. Today Gordy learned he has a spot on his lung.

Gordy minimized this report figuring he has generally had good health and just enjoys an occasional cigarette. He gets a bit angry at the doctor for even suggesting there may be something wrong with his lung and begins to question the doctor's intelligence, wondering how he could have possibly graduated from medical school.

What are some defense mechanisms Gordy may be using to reduce the anxiety he's experiencing by this news?

In the posts, do not use direct quotes. You will need to use in-text citations but put the information in own words.

textbook reference: Psychology (Spielman, R. M.). OpenStax, Rice University, Houston, TX

Criteria

- Shared insights and experiences.

- Integration of readings and citations.

- Questions answered completely.

- 200+ Words.

- Well-written, minimal spelling & grammar errors.