When someone chooses to ignore unpleasant truths, what is this an example of?

When a person chooses to ignore unpleasant truths, this behavior is an example of denial. Denial is a defense mechanism that helps individuals cope with emotional pain or distress by refusing to accept reality or facts. By denying unpleasant truths, a person avoids facing the difficulties or discomfort associated with those truths, thus maintaining a sense of psychological comfort, albeit temporarily.

In contrast, rationalization involves justifying behaviors or thoughts with logical reasons, even if they are not true, while repression is the unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts or feelings from entering awareness. Projection is a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable feelings or thoughts onto others. Denial distinctly focuses on refusing to accept an unpleasant reality altogether, making it the appropriate choice in this scenario.