What psychological concept is often used to cope with uncomfortable feelings or thoughts?

The correct answer is the concept of defense mechanisms, which are unconscious psychological strategies utilized to manage anxiety and protect the self from uncomfortable feelings, thoughts, or situations. These mechanisms can include processes such as repression, denial, projection, and rationalization. They serve as automatic reactions that help individuals cope with stressors and emotional conflicts without needing to address the underlying issues directly.

Understanding defense mechanisms is crucial in psychology, as they illustrate the ways in which people can unconsciously avoid confronting uncomfortable truths or sentiments. For example, if someone experiences a painful loss, they might use denial to avoid feeling the full impact of their grief, thus providing temporary emotional relief.

Though coping strategies also serve to handle stress and emotional pain consciously and directly, they generally involve a more active approach to managing feelings, such as problem-solving techniques or seeking social support. Emotional intelligence focuses on recognizing and managing one's own emotions, while behavioral conditioning involves learning through reinforcement and punishment, which does not specifically pertain to managing internal discomfort. Therefore, defense mechanisms are distinctly recognized for their role in unconsciously shielding individuals from emotional distress.