A person who fails to get a job in an interview attributes his/her failure to fate and bad luck. This type of ego defense mechanism is called:

Correct option is C

The behavior of attributing one’s failure to fate and bad luck instead of acknowledging personal shortcomings is an example of Projection. Projection is a psychological defense mechanism in which individuals attribute their own thoughts, feelings, or failures to external factors or others to avoid dealing with uncomfortable emotions or self-perception.
Explanation of Other Options:
1. (a) Denial:
· Involves refusing to accept reality or facts to avoid painful emotions.
· Example: A person who refuses to believe they are seriously ill despite a diagnosis.
· Incorrect for this scenario as the individual acknowledges the failure but shifts blame.
2. (b) Reaction formation:
· Occurs when someone expresses the opposite of their true feelings or desires.
· Example: Acting overly friendly toward someone they secretly dislike.
· Incorrect here, as there is no contradictory behavior.
3. (c) Projection:
· Correct. The person externalizes their failure, attributing it to uncontrollable factors like fate or luck, avoiding introspection or personal accountability.
4. (d) Regression:
· Involves reverting to earlier developmental stages in behavior as a coping mechanism.
· Example: An adult throwing a tantrum like a child during stress.