Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

In the context of behavior, what does "displacement" refer to in ego defense mechanisms?

1. Expressing feelings indirectly

2. Redirecting impulses onto a safer target

3. Refusing to acknowledge reality

4. Unconsciously adopting feelings of others

The correct answer is: Redirecting impulses onto a safer target

Displacement refers to the ego defense mechanism where an individual redirects impulses or emotional responses from an immediate target that is perceived as threatening or unacceptable to a safer or more acceptable target. For example, if someone is frustrated by their boss at work but cannot express that anger directly, they might come home and take out their frustration on a family member or even a pet. This mechanism serves to manage anxiety and maintain psychological stability by steering emotions away from the original source of distress to something less threatening. In understanding displacement, it’s essential to recognize how it helps individuals cope with challenging feelings without having to confront the direct source of those feelings, reducing the immediate emotional impact. This redirection is crucial for maintaining social harmony, as confronting certain impulses directly might result in conflict or negative consequences.