Question

Gabrielle didn't study for this exam and really wants to cheat. This is entirely unacceptable to her superego, which won't let her do this. However, Gabrielle thinks she sees nearly everyone else in the class cheating during the exam. This is an example of the defense mechanism called _____.

A. sublimation
B. reaction formation
C. displacement
D. projection

Answer 1

This is an example of the defense mechanism called projection.

Step-by-step explanation:

Projection involves individuals attributing their own unacceptable thoughts, feeling and motives to another person or group of people. In this case, Gabrielle's superego tells her that cheating is incorrect; but as she thinks everyone in her class will cheat on the exam, she would not feel that bad for doing so.