Review Question - QID 213443

A 17-year-old boy is being seen by student health for a sports physical. He denies any recent injuries. He reports that he is doing well in his classes. He fractured his left collar bone 3 years ago, which required open reduction and internal fixation. He has not had any other surgeries. He takes no medications. His father and his paternal grandfather have hypertension. When asked about his mother, the patient tears up and he quickly begins talkig about how excited he is for baseball tryouts. He has a chance this year to be in the starting lineup if, “I just stay focused.” From previous records, the patient’s mother died of ovarian cancer 6 months ago. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the patient exhibiting?