Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia. The client begins dressing in a similar manner to the nurse and asks the staff for a name badge to wear. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client using?

A) Displacement.
B) Identification.
C) Suppression.
D) Projection.

Answer 1

The client with schizophrenia adopting the nurse's appearance and requesting a name badge is displaying the defense mechanism of identification, not displacement, suppression, or projection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client who is experiencing schizophrenia and begins dressing in a similar manner to the nurse and asks for a name badge to wear is using the defense mechanism of identification. This mechanism involves an individual embracing the characteristics, behaviors, or attributes of another person, typically someone they view as superior or significant, as a way to deal with stress or anxiety. The client is likely trying to cope with their condition by identifying with the nurse, who represents a caregiver and a figure of health and stability.

Displacement involves transferring inappropriate urges or behaviors onto a more acceptable or less threatening target. This is not what the client is demonstrating. Suppression is a conscious decision to delay paying attention to an emotion or need, which does not describe the client's behavior in this scenario. Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to another person, which again is not the behavior exhibited by the client.