Which defense mechanism is demonstrated by transferring emotional distress from a threatening target to a safer target, such as a person who is angry at their coworker yelling at a family member?

• A. Regression
• B. Projection
• C. Displacement
• D. Denial

Answer: (C)

Displacement is when intense feelings toward one source are redirected to a safer, more acceptable target. In this scenario, anger toward a coworker is vented on a family member, which keeps the distress from being directly expressed to the threatening source and uses a less risky outlet. This preserves the emotion while avoiding confrontation with the original trigger.

Regression would involve returning to earlier developmental behaviors (like acting childish). Projection would mean assuming others share one’s own unacceptable feelings. Denial is refusing to acknowledge reality or feelings.