Denial is a primitive defense mechanism that causes individuals to act as if the distressing events they have experienced never occurred. Just as there are differences in how we perceive events, the defense mechanisms we use also vary from person to person. For instance, the denial mechanism functions differently in neurotic, borderline, and psychotic individuals.
When we consider the denial mechanism in a person at a neurotic level, they may recognize that they are not accepting what they are experiencing and that there is something unusual about their reactions. Since they are aware of the problem, they may be inclined to contact a therapist in order to accept and confront the situation. Even if not immediately after the event, the person may later talk about it as if it never happened. In daily life, they tend to avoid reminders of the event’s reality and instead seek out things that support their denial mechanism. However, the discomfort caused by these reactions often leads neurotic individuals to seek therapy. Even if they cannot initially make sense of their behavior, they still want to explore it with a therapist. They are not disconnected from reality and remain aware of the actual event. Although they display denial responses, they feel uncomfortable because a part of them continues to remind them of the reality.
In psychotic individuals, the process works differently. Due to a weak connection with reality, they may rely on the denial mechanism much more heavily. It may be easier for them to believe that what they are questioning is simply not true. They can communicate with people who support their delusional thoughts and may establish a stronger connection with them. On the other hand, they may avoid or cut off contact with those who confront them with reality. This kind of questioning can be exhausting for them, and since they cannot distinguish between internal and external reality, they may believe the event is entirely unrelated to them. The denial mechanism may take a back seat due to these externalizations, making it easier for them to fully believe that the denied event never occurred. Compared to neurotic individuals, their denial process can be much faster. Comments made by a therapist suggesting their experiences are products of denial may provoke anger. Working with the denial mechanism can be particularly frustrating for psychotic clients.
In borderline individuals, the person may experience heightened stress due to the inconsistency between the event and their denial mechanism. There is a significant conflict between the reality of the event and the internal denial, which further exacerbates the person’s anxiety and leads to intense emotional distress. This overwhelming stress may motivate them to begin therapy. However, the combination of this inconsistency anxiety and the additional anxiety brought on by denial can create even more distress, especially since therapy is a long-term process. Realizing that therapy will not immediately resolve their anxiety may lead to new internal turmoil. When it is explained that the anxiety is caused by the inner conflict resulting from the defense mechanism in use, their stress levels may begin to decrease.
In summary, while the same defense mechanism may be used, individuals’ reactions vary depending on their psychological structure. Differences in stress levels and self-awareness can be considered the most significant distinguishing factors.