Question

A male long-distance jumper improves his distance by 3 ½ inches (8 cm) and earns the praise of his coach, but on another day, when he does not reach his mark, he forcefully kicks the door of his locker. What defense mechanism does his outburst demonstrate?

DISPLACEMENT: is the discharging of pent-up feelings on a less threatening object, in this case the locker door. Anger is not a defense mechanism. Projection is attributing one's own unacceptable feelings, impulses, or thoughts to another. Rationalization is behavior that attempts to prove that one's feelings or behavior is justifiable.

Answer 1

The long-distance jumper's act of kicking the locker door is an example of the defense mechanism known as displacement, where he directs his frustration from his performance onto a less threatening object.

Step-by-step explanation:

The outburst demonstrated by the male long-distance jumper forcefully kicking the door of his locker represents the defense mechanism known as displacement. Displacement involves transferring emotions, feelings, or impulses from the original source of stress to a less threatening target. In this scenario, the athlete redirects his frustration regarding his performance onto a locker door, which is an inanimate and less threatening object than, for instance, a coach or teammate. Defense mechanisms like reaction formation, projection, and rationalization are also ways in which individuals may unconsciously protect themselves from anxiety or internal conflict. Reaction formation involves behaving in a way that is the opposite of what one truly feels. Projection includes attributing one's unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto someone else. Lastly, rationalization allows an individual to justify or explain away behavior or feelings that are distressing.