The victim of domestic abuse tells the nurse,"I know my spouse didn't mean to hurt me.The situation just got out of hand." The nurse recognizes that the client is exhibiting which of the following?

A) Intellectualization
B) Introjection
C) Projection
D) Minimization

The client's statement is an example of minimization, which is minimizing the severity of the abuse or excusing the perpetrator's behavior. The client is downplaying the abuse, making excuses for the perpetrator, and taking responsibility for the abuse, which are all common characteristics of someone who is trying to minimize the severity of the abuse.