A person who borrows or merges his or her identity with someone else, such as a powerful parent, is using the defense mechanism of
A) identification.
B) projection.
C) reaction formation.
D) rationalization.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The defense mechanism of identification involves incorporating the characteristics, behaviors, and values of another individual or group into one's own personality. In this scenario, the person is borrowing or merging their identity with a powerful parent, which indicates the use of identification as a defense mechanism. Projection involves attributing one's own thoughts and feelings onto another person, reaction formation involves expressing the opposite of one's true feelings or desires, and rationalization involves creating justifications for one's actions or beliefs. None of these defense mechanisms fit the given scenario as well as identification.

A Person Who Borrows or Merges His or Her Identity