What describes the 'Compensation' defense mechanism?

The 'Compensation' defense mechanism refers to the psychological strategy where an individual attempts to cover up feelings of inadequacy or weakness by emphasizing strengths in other areas. For example, a person who may feel insecure about their social skills might excel in their professional life to distract or compensate for those feelings of inadequacy. This behavior allows individuals to maintain a positive self-image by diverting attention from their perceived flaws and focusing instead on their capabilities or successes in different domains.

This mechanism is often employed unconsciously, helping individuals cope with vulnerabilities and maintain a sense of balance in their self-perception. Thus, the correct choice clearly encapsulates this idea of using strengths to offset weaknesses, which is the essence of the 'Compensation' defense mechanism.