Define compensation.

Define compensation.

• A. Covering up a real or perceived weakness by emphasizing a trait one considers more desirable.
• B. Payment for work performed.
• C. The salary increase.
• D. The bonus.

Answer: (A)

Compensation, in psychology, is a defense mechanism in which a person covers up a real or perceived weakness by emphasizing a trait they see as more desirable. This helps protect self-esteem and reduce anxiety when facing insecurity. It’s about an unconscious strategy to balance or mask shortcomings, not about rewards or payments. That’s why this option is the best definition here. The other choices describe monetary forms of compensation—payment for work, a salary increase, or a bonus—which are legitimate uses of the word in a workplace context but not the psychological concept being defined.

Compensation, in psychology, is a defense mechanism in which a person covers up a real or perceived weakness by emphasizing a trait they see as more desirable. This helps protect self-esteem and reduce anxiety when facing insecurity. It’s about an unconscious strategy to balance or mask shortcomings, not about rewards or payments.

That’s why this option is the best definition here. The other choices describe monetary forms of compensation—payment for work, a salary increase, or a bonus—which are legitimate uses of the word in a workplace context but not the psychological concept being defined.