Which defense mechanism involves redirecting feelings from their source to a safer target?

Which defense mechanism involves redirecting feelings from their source to a safer target?

• A. Displacement
• B. Sublimation
• C. Projection
• D. Repression

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is displacement, a defense mechanism where intense feelings that come from one source are redirected toward a safer or more acceptable target. This lets you express or vent those emotions without facing the original source. For example, anger toward a boss might be redirected to a family member or a pet at home, so the energy is released but the real source isn’t confronted directly. This fits because the core action is moving the reaction from the true trigger to a less threatening outlet. Sublimation wouldn’t fit because it involves channeling the impulse into a socially acceptable activity (like aggression into sports) rather than shifting it to a safer target. Projection would mean blaming others for your own feelings, not redirecting them to a different outlet. Repression involves pushing thoughts out of awareness, not redirecting the emotion to another target.

The idea being tested is displacement, a defense mechanism where intense feelings that come from one source are redirected toward a safer or more acceptable target. This lets you express or vent those emotions without facing the original source. For example, anger toward a boss might be redirected to a family member or a pet at home, so the energy is released but the real source isn’t confronted directly. This fits because the core action is moving the reaction from the true trigger to a less threatening outlet.

Sublimation wouldn’t fit because it involves channeling the impulse into a socially acceptable activity (like aggression into sports) rather than shifting it to a safer target. Projection would mean blaming others for your own feelings, not redirecting them to a different outlet. Repression involves pushing thoughts out of awareness, not redirecting the emotion to another target.