A man has a strong unconscious urge to cheat his business associates, but he complains that he can't trust them because they will cheat and steal from him if he gives them half a chance. This tendency to attribute an unacceptable unconscious impulse onto other people is the defense mechanism called____________ .
A) displacement
B) denial
C) reaction formation
D) projection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The defense mechanism described is projection, which involves attributing one's unacceptable thoughts or impulses onto another person. In this case, the man's unconscious urge to cheat is projected onto his business associates, whom he accuses of being untrustworthy and likely to cheat and steal from him.

A Man Has a Strong Unconscious Urge to Cheat His