Question

What is the term used to describe the displacement or transfer of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors originally related to a significant person onto someone else, such as a massage therapist?

1) Projection
2) Regression
3) Reaction formation
4) Displacement

Answer 1

Displacement is the psychological defense mechanism where feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are transferred to a more acceptable or less threatening target.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term used to describe the displacement or transfer of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors originally related to a significant person onto someone else is known as displacement. As a defense mechanism, displacement involves transferring inappropriate urges or behaviors onto a more acceptable or less threatening target. This could occur, for example, if someone redirects anger felt towards a boss onto a massage therapist, who is a safer target for expressing such frustration.