Valerie contends that her classmate Wanda is consistently gossiping, but Valerie herself tends to gossip about everyone she knows. Valerie's contention MOST closely resembles which defense mechanism?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Valerie's contention that Wanda is consistently gossiping is an example of projection, which is when an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or behaviors onto someone else. In this case, Valerie is projecting her own tendency to gossip onto Wanda.

Valerie Contends That Her Classmate Wanda Is Consistently Gossiping, but Valerie