Despite clear evidence that smoking is harmful Robert insists that smoking isn't that bad for his health. What defense mechanism is this? Denial Rationalization Repression Projection

## Step 1<br />The problem presents a scenario where Robert, despite clear evidence that smoking is harmful, insists that smoking isn't that bad for his health. This is a classic example of a defense mechanism, which is a psychological strategy used by individuals to cope with reality and maintain self-image.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The defense mechanism in this case is denial. Denial is a defense mechanism where a person refuses to accept reality or the truth of a situation. In this case, Robert is refusing to accept the fact that smoking is harmful to his health.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The other options, rationalization, repression, and projection, do not fit the scenario. Rationalization is a defense mechanism where a person tries to justify their behavior with logical reasons, even if these reasons are not appropriate. Repression is a defense mechanism where a person pushes distressing thoughts into the unconscious mind. Projection is a defense mechanism where a person attributes their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto others.