A child who is really angry with his or her mother yells at the baby-sitter instead. Which defense mechanism is this?
A) projection
B) reaction formation
C) isolation
D) displacement

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is displacement, which involves redirecting negative impulses or emotions from the original target onto a substitute target that is less threatening or powerless. In this case, the child is angry with the mother but yelling at the babysitter instead.

A Child Who Is Really Angry with His or Her