Engaging in daydreams about the way one would like things to be is known as what defense mechanism?

Engaging in daydreaming or imagining how one would like situations to be is classified as fantasy. This defense mechanism allows individuals to escape from reality and cope with unmet desires or frustrations. By envisioning a more desirable outcome or circumstance, a person can temporarily alleviate feelings of dissatisfaction or disappointment in their current situation.

Fantasy serves a constructive purpose; it can encourage creativity and provide a safe space for individuals to explore possibilities that may not be achievable in real life. It helps individuals process emotions and can offer motivation to pursue goals aligned with those daydreamed scenarios. This contrasts with other mechanisms like projection, repression, and compensation, which involve defense strategies that respond to anxiety or conflict by shifting focus or altering perception, rather than creating an imaginative escape.