Final Answer:
Displacement, a defense mechanism, involves redirecting negative emotions to a less threatening target. Option c aligns with displacement, emphasizing its protective function against overwhelming feelings of worthlessness and anxiety.Thus option c is the correct option.
Step-by-step explanation:
Displacement is a defense mechanism where an individual shifts negative emotions or impulses from one source to a less threatening target. Option c, "This protects against feelings of worthlessness and anxiety," aligns with the characteristic of displacement. In this coping mechanism, individuals unconsciously redirect their emotions to a more acceptable or manageable target, serving as a defense against overwhelming feelings. The choice emphasizes the protective function of displacement, highlighting its role in shielding the individual from distressing emotions.
Displacement is not about coping with stress directly (option a) or evaluating an event for its personal meaning (option b). Instead, it involves a psychological redirection of emotions to minimize the impact of distressing feelings. The option d reference to the medulla oblongata is unrelated to displacement; displacement is a psychological process, and its effects are not triggered by the stress control functions of the medulla oblongata.
Understanding the nuances of defense mechanisms like displacement is crucial for nurses in planning effective care. By recognizing that a patient employs displacement, the nurse can tailor interventions to address the underlying emotions and contribute to the patient's emotional well-being. This may involve exploring the root causes of the emotions being displaced and implementing strategies to help the patient cope more directly with their feelings, fostering a healthier emotional response.
Therefore option c is the correct option.