Which of the following defense mechanism involves redirecting unacceptable feelings from the original source to a safer target?

Appeared in: JSSH Staff Nurse - 2019

Explanation

Displacement is an unconscious defense mechanism where the mind redirects emotions from a 'dangerous' object to a 'safe' object.
The question describes the classic definition of displacement: shifting feelings from an original, threatening source to a substitute, less threatening target.
This allows the individual to express their feelings without facing the potential negative repercussions of confronting the original source.
For example, anger towards a boss is redirected towards a family member at home, as the family member is perceived as a 'safer' target.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option B: Reaction formation involves acting in the opposite way to one's true feelings, not redirecting them. For example, showing exaggerated kindness to someone you dislike.
Option C: Repression is the unconscious blocking of distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings from conscious awareness. It is about 'forgetting' or pushing down feelings, not redirecting them.
Option D: Rationalization is the process of creating plausible but false excuses to justify one's unacceptable behavior or feelings. It is about justifying feelings, not redirecting them.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Identification of Ego Defense Mechanisms helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses frequently encounter patients who displace their anger, fear, or frustration about their diagnosis or treatment onto the nursing staff. Recognizing this as displacement helps the nurse to not take it personally and to respond with empathy.
By understanding this defense mechanism, a nurse can help the patient identify the true source of their feelings (e.g., fear of surgery) and address the underlying anxiety.
What if the patient is not angry but is overly friendly and complimentary? This could be Reaction Formation, where the patient is masking underlying fear or anger towards the healthcare system or their illness.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question stem to identify the core concept. The key phrase is 'redirecting unacceptable feelings from the original source to a safer target'.
Next, define this key phrase in your own words. It describes shifting an emotion from one person/object to another, less threatening person/object.
Then, review the options and match your definition to the correct psychological term.
Displacement directly matches the description of redirecting feelings.
Mentally review the definitions of the other options (Reaction Formation, Repression, Rationalization) to confirm they do not fit the description, thus solidifying your choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of Ego Defense Mechanisms
Stem keywords: defense mechanism, redirecting unacceptable feelings, original source, safer target
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QHyz1rJ9RI5emOp_GSuV-y

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 2994-2996

E6 Psychology Morgan King 9e Part 2 pp. 188-190, 187-189

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