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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Displacement is the defense mechanism where someone redirects their negative emotions towards someone or something else that is less threatening. In this case, Mrs. B. is feeling angry and frustrated about being criticized by her supervisor, but instead of expressing it towards them, she takes it out on her children.

Mrs B Received a Very Poor Rating by Her Supervisor Who