Luis is five years old and tries to dress and talk like his father, whom he admires.This makes him feel "grown-up" and invincible.Luis is exhibiting which defense mechanism?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Luis is exhibiting identification, as he is attempting to imitate and adopt the characteristics of his father whom he admires. This is a common defense mechanism used by children to cope with their own feelings of insecurity and to feel more powerful and confident. Rationalization involves creating logical explanations for behavior, intellectualization involves distancing oneself emotionally from a situation and focusing on the intellectual aspects, and sublimation involves channeling negative impulses into constructive actions. None of these apply to Luis' behavior.

Luis Is Five Years Old and Tries to Dress and Talk