Which defense mechanism may cause an individual to project their anger onto others?

Which defense mechanism may cause an individual to project their anger onto others?

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

Answer: (B)

The correct choice for this question is the concept of projection. This defense mechanism involves attributing one’s own undesirable feelings or thoughts, such as anger, to others. When individuals feel anger but are unable to acknowledge or express it directly, they may unconsciously project those feelings onto other people. For example, someone who feels angry may start to believe that others are angry with them, thereby externalizing their internal conflict. In contrast, the other defense mechanisms mentioned differ in function. Displacement involves redirecting emotions from the original source of distress to a safer target. Regression occurs when an individual reverts to behaviors characteristic of an earlier developmental stage in response to stress or anxiety. Denial consists of refusing to accept reality or facts, thereby blocking out painful information. These mechanisms operate differently than projection, which is specifically about relocating one's feelings onto others rather than dealing directly with them.

The correct choice for this question is the concept of projection. This defense mechanism involves attributing one’s own undesirable feelings or thoughts, such as anger, to others. When individuals feel anger but are unable to acknowledge or express it directly, they may unconsciously project those feelings onto other people. For example, someone who feels angry may start to believe that others are angry with them, thereby externalizing their internal conflict.

In contrast, the other defense mechanisms mentioned differ in function. Displacement involves redirecting emotions from the original source of distress to a safer target. Regression occurs when an individual reverts to behaviors characteristic of an earlier developmental stage in response to stress or anxiety. Denial consists of refusing to accept reality or facts, thereby blocking out painful information. These mechanisms operate differently than projection, which is specifically about relocating one's feelings onto others rather than dealing directly with them.