Question

Jeremy has been having an affair with another woman. One afternoon his wife came home later than usual and Jeremy became angry — accusing his wife of infidelity. Which defense mechanism is behind Jeremy's accusation?

Answer 1

Jeremy's accusation of infidelity towards his wife is an example of the defense mechanism of projection.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jeremy's accusation of infidelity towards his wife can be explained by the defense mechanism of projection. Projection is a defense mechanism in which an individual displaces their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and motives onto someone else. In this case, Jeremy is likely feeling guilty about his affair and projecting his own infidelity onto his wife.

An example of projection in this situation is when Jeremy accuses his wife of infidelity, even though he is the one who has been unfaithful. By projecting his own actions onto his wife, Jeremy is able to avoid facing his feelings of guilt and take the focus off of his own wrongdoing.

This defense mechanism is a way for Jeremy to protect his own ego and maintain a positive self-image, even though it involves blaming his wife for something he is guilty of.