A 42-Year-Old Biochemist Receives Negative Feedback from a Senior Associate

A 42-year-old biochemist receives negative feedback from a senior associate on a recent project. He is placed on probation within the company and told that he must improve his performance on the next project to remain with the company. He is distraught and leaves his office early. When he gives an account of the episode to his wife, she says, "I'll always be proud of you no matter what because I know that you always try your best." Later that night, he tearfully accuses her of believing that he is a failure. Which of the following psychological defense mechanisms is he demonstrating?

A) Acting out
B) Displacement
C) Identification
D) Projection
E) Reaction formation
F) Regression