Which of the following can exacerbate anxiety when faced with fears?

Avoidance can significantly exacerbate anxiety when individuals are faced with their fears. When a person chooses to avoid situations, thoughts, or reminders related to their anxiety-provoking stimuli, they may experience temporary relief from fear, but this often leads to increased anxiety in the long run. Avoidance prevents individuals from confronting their fears directly and developing coping mechanisms, which can reinforce the cycle of anxiety.

By sidestepping situations that cause anxiety, people do not have the opportunity to gradually desensitize themselves to those fears or to engage in problem-solving strategies that could help them manage their anxiety more effectively. Additionally, avoidance can limit a person's life experiences, creating a sense of increased threat and reinforcement of fearful beliefs.

In contrast, confrontation, mindfulness, and reflection tend to promote engagement with one's fears or feelings. Confrontation allows individuals to face their fears directly, mindfulness encourages present-moment awareness and acceptance of anxiety without judgment, and reflection provides an opportunity to think critically about one’s thoughts and feelings, all of which can contribute to reducing anxiety over time.