Which of the following is an example of displacement?
A) A person who fails an exam yells at a roommate upon arriving at home.
B) A person diagnosed with cancer refuses to believe the diagnosis.
C) A person with aggressive sexual fantasies volunteers at a rape crisis center.
D) A person who cheated on an exam justifies it by saying that everyone else cheats.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Displacement is a defense mechanism where an individual redirects emotional feelings (usually anger or frustration) from the original source of stress to a safer or more convenient target. In choice A, the person redirects anger from failing an exam towards the roommate, which is a classic example of displacement. Choices B, C, and D describe denial, sublimation, and rationalization, respectively, which are different psychological defense mechanisms.

Which of the Following Is an Example of Displacement