Helga is shy, so she works hard to look nice all the time in the hope that people will like her. This can be interpreted as an example of __________ as a defense mechanism.

• A. projection.
• B. identification.
• C. compensation.
• D. regression.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of defense mechanisms: Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies used to cope with reality and maintain self-image.
2. Identify the specific defense mechanism in question: In this scenario, we are looking at 'compensation' as a defense mechanism.
3. Define 'compensation' in psychological terms: Compensation involves overachieving in one area to make up for perceived deficiencies in another area.
4. Analyze Helga's behavior: Helga is shy, which she might perceive as a deficiency. To compensate for this, she works hard to look nice, hoping it will make people like her.
5. Conclude why 'compensation' is the correct answer: Helga's efforts to look nice are a way to compensate for her shyness, fitting the definition of the compensation defense mechanism.