title: Patients' use of denial: coping with the unacceptable.
abstract: Sigmund Freud ( 1961 ) identified the ego as the reality component of the personality that governs problem solving and rational thinking. As the level of anxiety increases, the strength of the ego is tested, and energy is mobilised to confront the threat. Anna Freud ( 1953 ) identified a number of defence mechanisms which can be used in the face of threat to physical or psychological integrity. Among these defence mechanisms is the commonly used and important mechanism of denial.
authors.affiliation: Bethel College, Mishawaka, Indiana.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Davidhizar
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama.
authors.forename: Joyce Newman
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Giger
keywords: ■ Chronic illness; ■ Coping; ■ Denial