What is the term for refusing to accept reality?

• A. Denial
• B. Acceptance
• C. Bargaining
• D. Depression

Answer: (A)

Denial is the term for refusing to accept reality. It works as a defense mechanism that shields you from the shock or pain of bad news by insisting the situation isn’t true or isn’t happening. It’s a common initial response to distress and can give you time to absorb what’s occurred. But it’s different from acceptance (acknowledging and facing the truth), bargaining (trying to alter the outcome through negotiation), and depression (deep sadness about the loss). Denial specifically captures the act of not accepting reality.