What is the defense mechanism characterized by ignoring or refusing to acknowledge disagreeable reality?

The defense mechanism characterized by ignoring or refusing to acknowledge disagreeable reality is denial of reality. This mechanism involves a refusal to accept facts or experiences that are uncomfortable or distressing. When an individual is in denial, they may perceive a situation as if it doesn't exist or is not as serious as it truly is, allowing them to avoid dealing with the emotional or psychological implications of that reality.

Denial can manifest in various ways, such as refusing to accept the seriousness of an illness, the reality of a loss, or the implications of one's actions. It serves as a coping strategy that allows an individual to manage anxiety and maintain a semblance of psychological stability in the face of distressing circumstances by essentially shutting out uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.

This understanding of denial of reality provides clarity on its role in coping mechanisms, especially when confronting difficult or painful truths. Other options, while they are recognized defense mechanisms, describe different processes that do not primarily focus on the outright rejection of reality itself.