Alan dislikes his elder brother, Sebastian, because he feels that his parents are partial toward him. He is always eager to pick a fight with Sebastian but he tells his friends that Sebastian does not like him and is always looking for ways to get back at him. According to Freudian psychoanalytic theory, Alan's behavior best exemplifies ________.

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Alan's behavior exemplifies projection, where he attributes his own feelings of hostility towards Sebastian to Sebastian instead, suggesting that it is Sebastian who harbors negative feelings towards him. This is a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and motives to another person.

Alan Dislikes His Elder Brother, Sebastian, Because He Feels That