A mother is having difficulty getting her son to do his homework. On further examination, it becomes clear that not only is the son completely capable, but he is also completely aware of how he is manipulating the situation. Psychodynamically, this could be identified as:

Question

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Procrastination is a commonly identified psychodynamic defense mechanism by which the son is able to manipulate the outcome to suit his needs. If he is ready for the reward or the consequence, he will finish faster than if he is unprepared or wants to delay it for another time. Procrastination often puts the individual who puts the work off in more control than they have previously experienced, creating a circle of power that's harder to break.

A Mother Is Having Difficulty Getting Her Son to Do