Which defense mechanism is described as taking action to counteract or make up for a wrongdoing?

The defense mechanism that involves taking action to counteract or make up for a wrongdoing is known as undoing. This mechanism allows an individual to alleviate guilt or anxiety about their actions by engaging in behaviors that symbolically negate or reverse the original behavior. For example, if someone feels bad about an argument they had, they might go out of their way to perform kind acts for the person with whom they argued. This action serves to 'undo' the negative impact of their previous actions, providing a sense of relief from guilt and restoring a sense of balance.

In contrast, intellectualization involves focusing on the intellectual aspects of a situation rather than the emotional response. Denial is a mechanism where a person refuses to accept reality or facts, blocking out painful experiences or emotions. Rationalization entails justifying behaviors or feelings by concocting logical reasons, rather than addressing the true emotional drivers behind those actions. Each of these mechanisms serves a different purpose in managing emotional distress, but only undoing specifically involves taking purposeful actions to counteract past wrongs.