Question

Mrs. B. received a very poor rating by her supervisor who had been constantly criticizing her in front of her coworkers. When she got home, her kids ran up to greet her, all talking at once. She responded by yelling, "Leave me alone! Can't you see I'm tired?" According to psychoanalytic theory, this is an example of the defense mechanism known as ______.
(A) displacement
(B) projection
(C) repression
(D) rationalization

Answer 1

Answer:

(A) displacement

Explanation:

Displacement as a defense mechanism is a way of reducing the generated anxiety and restoring emotional balance. Thus unconsciously the extreme reaction to the kids helps softening the  frustration experienced at work.

Displacement is a defense mechanism where negative emotions that were created to her with the boss and coworkers will be transferred from this original setting to the less threatening persons : the kids. Little do they owe for the situation but since the kids cannot pose any threat ,displacing this anger towards her children will at least relief her.

In other words a direct confrontation with the boss would pose a higher threat like being fired, thus displacement will take place.