What does intellectualization as a defense mechanism entail?

Intellectualization as a defense mechanism involves approaching emotionally charged situations by focusing on logic and facts rather than emotions. In this context, the correct choice accurately reflects the process where an individual seeks to understand a problem thoroughly, gathering information and knowledge about a situation, which allows them to detach from the emotional impact. This can serve as a way to minimize anxiety or distress associated with an emotional experience, enabling the person to process the situation in a more rationalized manner.

The other options represent different psychological defense mechanisms. For example, explaining feelings through someone else's perspective can indicate projection or an effort to empathize, but it does not capture the essence of intellectualization. Acting childlike typically refers to regression, where an individual retreats to earlier development stages to cope with stress; this does not align with the characteristics of intellectualization. Preventing oneself from feeling emotions is more akin to suppression, as it focuses on avoidance rather than the intellectual processing found in intellectualization. Overall, the essence of intellectualization relies on an analytical approach to a situation as a means of coping.