When Jacob's boss angered him, rather than telling his boss off, Jacob took his anger out on fellow motorists.His behavior is an example of
A) sublimated aggression.
B) displaced aggression.
C) projection.
D) reaction formation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jacob's behavior of taking his anger out on fellow motorists is an example of displaced aggression, where the original target of the aggression (his boss) is replaced by an easier target (fellow motorists). Sublimated aggression involves channeling the aggressive energy into a socially acceptable behavior. Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts/feelings to someone else. Reaction formation involves expressing the opposite of one's true feelings.

When Jacob's Boss Angered Him, Rather Than Telling His Boss