Paul is feeling very frustrated and angry with his boss. Rather than attacking his boss, Paul goes to the gym and engages in a very vigorous workout. After the gym, he feels much better. A psychodynamic interpretation of this activity would focus on the concept of
A)catharsis
B)overcontrolled hostility
C)empathy
D)social learning
E)provocation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paul's vigorous workout at the gym to deal with his frustration and anger towards his boss can be interpreted as catharsis in psychodynamic terms. Catharsis refers to the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions through some form of expression, in this case, physical exercise.

Paul Is Feeling Very Frustrated and Angry with His Boss