Which defense mechanism involves transferring emotions from one original object to a substitute that is perceived as less powerful?

Which defense mechanism involves transferring emotions from one original object to a substitute that is perceived as less powerful?

• A. Compensation
• B. Displacement
• C. Introjection
• D. Minimization

Answer: (B)

Displacement is when intense emotions tied to one source are redirected toward a substitute that feels safer or less powerful. In this scenario, the raw feelings are shifted from the original object to a target perceived as weaker, making it easier to manage the emotion without confronting the real source. For example, someone who feels anger toward a harsh supervisor might snap at a family member instead. This preserves the emotional charge but redirects it to a less threatening target. This differs from other defenses: compensation involves making up for a real or perceived deficiency in one area by excelling in another; introjection is internalizing someone else’s beliefs or attitudes; minimization downplays the significance of a situation. Displacement uniquely describes moving the emotion to a safer substitute.

Displacement is when intense emotions tied to one source are redirected toward a substitute that feels safer or less powerful. In this scenario, the raw feelings are shifted from the original object to a target perceived as weaker, making it easier to manage the emotion without confronting the real source.

For example, someone who feels anger toward a harsh supervisor might snap at a family member instead. This preserves the emotional charge but redirects it to a less threatening target.

This differs from other defenses: compensation involves making up for a real or perceived deficiency in one area by excelling in another; introjection is internalizing someone else’s beliefs or attitudes; minimization downplays the significance of a situation. Displacement uniquely describes moving the emotion to a safer substitute.