Marty has just had a heated argument with his coworker, and for a split second he feels the urge to punch the coworker in the chest. Instead, Marty takes an early lunch and works out by sparring at the gym. Which defense mechanism would Freud say is operating in this situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Displacement is the defense mechanism in which an individual redirects their unacceptable impulses onto a less threatening target. In this case, Marty redirected the urge to punch his coworker onto his sparring partner at the gym.

Marty Has Just Had a Heated Argument with His Coworker