Question

Sebastien left the office feeling extremely resentful towards his boss, after being singled out in a meeting and denied a raise. Upon walking through the door at home, he yelled at his wife. This is an example of which of the following ego defense mechanisms?

a) Repression
b) Projection
c) Displacement
d) Rationalization

Answer 1

Sebastien's act of yelling at his wife instead of expressing his frustration towards his boss is an example of the ego defense mechanism known as displacement, where distressing emotions are shifted away from the true source to a safer target.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ego defense mechanism exhibited :

Displacement is a psychological defense mechanism where emotions are transferred from the original source of stress to a less threatening target. In Sebastien's case, he could not express his resentment directly to his boss, so instead he discharged his feelings towards his wife when he got home. This redirection of emotions from a person or situation that causes anxiety to someone or something that is less threatening is a common way to manage stress and protect one's ego. Displacement can serve as a coping mechanism by allowing individuals to avoid direct confrontation with the actual source of distress.

It can, however, lead to negative consequences if the displaced aggression or emotions harm other relationships or situations. Therefore, Sebastian displayed displacement by taking out his frustration about his work situation on his wife, rather than addressing the issue with his boss or coping with his feelings in a more direct or healthy manner.