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Denial is a common delayed reaction to trauma because it serves as a psychological defense mechanism that helps individuals cope with overwhelming emotions and experiences. After a traumatic event, a person may have difficulty processing what has occurred, leading them to deny or minimize the impact of the trauma. This reaction allows them to maintain a sense of normalcy while they gradually process their feelings and the reality of the situation. Denial can manifest in various ways, such as refusing to accept the event happened, avoiding discussions about it, or believing that the trauma has had no significant effect on their life.

In the context of trauma reactions, feelings like acceptance, anger, and sadness can surface as well, but they often occur after the initial denial phase. Acceptance signifies a level of processing and understanding of the trauma, while anger and sadness can be part of the emotional response that follows once the individual begins to confront the reality of the situation. Therefore, recognizing denial as a delayed reaction is crucial in understanding how individuals cope with trauma initially before moving toward healing.