Which of the following is a common defense mechanism?

Repression is recognized as a common defense mechanism in psychological theory, particularly in the context of psychoanalytic theory proposed by Sigmund Freud. It refers to the unconscious process of pushing unwanted thoughts, memories, and feelings out of awareness. This can occur as a way to cope with anxiety or distressing experiences, such as trauma or emotional pain.

Repression serves to protect the individual from the uncomfortable emotions associated with those memories or thoughts, effectively allowing them to continue functioning without being overwhelmed by negative feelings. For example, a person who has experienced a traumatic event may not consciously remember the event but still exhibits symptoms of anxiety or stress as a result of that repressed memory influencing their behavior.

The other options—acceptance, communication, and collaboration—are strategies that are typically employed to address issues or conflicts rather than mechanisms to unconsciously shield oneself from psychological distress. While these strategies can be beneficial in their own right, they do not serve the same protective role as repression in the context of defense mechanisms.