National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Practice Exam

What is the defense mechanism of displacement?

1. Channeling emotions into creative activities

2. Transferring feelings from one target to another

3. Avoiding emotional conflicts

4. Choosing to ignore negative emotions

The correct answer is: Transferring feelings from one target to another

Displacement is a psychological defense mechanism where an individual redirects their emotions or impulses from a threatening target to a safer one. This can occur when a person feels overwhelmed or anxious about expressing their true feelings towards a situation or an individual that poses a risk, so they shift these emotions onto something or someone else that is less intimidating or more socially acceptable. For instance, if someone experiences anger at their boss, they may go home and vent that anger on a family member or shout at their pet. Thus, this mechanism serves to alleviate the anxiety associated with confronting the original source of the emotional response. The characterization of displacement as transferring feelings from one target to another captures the essence of this defense mechanism, highlighting its role in emotional regulation and protection from pain or anxiety linked to direct confrontation.