- Pretending something does not exist when in reality it does
- Being willing to admit there is a problem, but unwilling to see the severity of it
- Seeing the problem as being caused by something or someone else. The behaviour is not denied, but its cause is someone else’s responsibility.
- Offering excuses, alibis, justifications, and other explanations for behaviour
- Dealing with the problem on a general level; avoiding personal and emotional awareness of the situations or conditions
- Changing the subject to avoid threatening topics
- Becoming angry and irritable when reference is made to the condition. This helps to avoid the issue