A client was underperforming at work recently, although for years his service was excellent. He made a costly mistake, so his employer referred him for treatment. He blames his employer for his being there, saying she is having personal problems and is just taking it out on him. Which term best describes his defense mechanism?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client is using projection as a defense mechanism by attributing his own feelings and shortcomings to his employer, rather than acknowledging his own role in the underperformance and costly mistake.

A Client Was Underperforming at Work Recently, Although for Years