A nurse is planning a teaching for a group of clients about defense mechanisms. Which of the following information should the nurse include? (Select All that Apply.)

A. Adaptive defense mechanisms are associated with mature functioning and are typically seen in individuals who cope effectively with stress. B. Defense mechanisms and coping strategies are not the same; defense mechanisms are mostly unconscious processes that protect against anxiety, while coping strategies are often conscious efforts to manage stress. C. Defense mechanisms can help a client deal with stress in a positive way, particularly when they are adaptive. D. Development of defense mechanisms occurs as individuals progress through neurological and psychological growth, with more mature defenses emerging with age. E. Maladaptive defense mechanisms generally impair mental well-being rather than improve it; they may temporarily reduce anxiety but can cause dysfunction in the long term. F. Adaptive defense mechanisms enable a person to accept situations and transform them into less stressful experiences, promoting healthy adjustment and coping.