What term is used to describe the aspect that hides and protects the true self?

The term that describes the aspect that hides and protects the true self is indeed the False Self. This concept, introduced by psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, refers to a persona that individuals create to conform to social expectations, cope with external pressures, or shield their authentic feelings and identity. The False Self serves as a defense mechanism, allowing individuals to navigate social interactions while concealing their true thoughts, emotions, and vulnerabilities.

It embodies the idea that people may feel compelled to present themselves in ways that are not entirely genuine in order to gain acceptance or avoid rejection. This can lead to feelings of disconnect and distress, as the False Self often lacks true substance and can prevent individuals from engaging authentically with themselves and others.

In comparison, the Ideal Self represents aspirations or goals individuals strive to achieve, the Authentic Self is the true and genuine self that aligns with one's core values and beliefs, and the Social Self refers to the aspect of self that emerges through social interactions and relationships. While these concepts are important, they do not specifically encapsulate the idea of a protective masking mechanism for the true self as effectively as the False Self does.