WBR0288

Author	[[PageAuthor::Ayokunle Olubaniyi, M.B,B.S [1] (Edited by Alison Leibowitz)]]
Exam Type	ExamType::USMLE Step 1
Main Category	MainCategory::Behavioral Science/Psychiatry
Sub Category	SubCategory::General Principles
Prompt	Prompt::A 43-year-old male who is planning on divorcing his wife, wakes up one night and tells her, “darling, I noticed you don’t love me anymore ever since my brother moved in.” This is an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?
Answer A	AnswerA::Acting out
Answer A Explanation	[[AnswerAExp::Acting out is characterized by expressing unacceptable feelings and thoughts through actions. For example, instead of saying, “I’m angry with you,” a person who acts out may instead throw a book at the person. Tantrums in children are another example of acting out.]]
Answer B	AnswerB::Displacement
Answer B Explanation	[[AnswerBExp::Displacement is the redirection of thoughts, feelings, and impulses (usually aggression) onto a powerless target, a neutral person or an object. For example, a husband having a bad day at work may arrive home and act aggressively toward his wife.]]
Answer C	AnswerC::Reaction formation
Answer C Explanation	AnswerCExp::Reaction formation is when a person compulsively behaves opposite to his unconscious desires. For example, a man discontented with his job may request to work extra-hours.
Answer D	AnswerD::Projection
Answer D Explanation	AnswerDExp::Projection is a defense mechanism that involves taking one's own unacceptable qualities or feelings and ascribing them to other people. For example, a woman who subconciously abhors her job, might believe that her boss loathes her.
Answer E	AnswerE::Denial
Answer E Explanation	AnswerEExp::Denial is the blocking of an aspect of reality from conscious awareness. For example, a woman with a broken leg may dismiss her injury as a bruise. Denial is regarded as the most primitive of all the defense mechanisms.
Right Answer	RightAnswer::D
Explanation	[[Explanation::Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies brought into play by the unconscious mind to manipulate, deny, or distort reality. They explain how people distance themselves from a conscious awareness of unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Defense mechanisms are based on Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytical theories. They include acting out, dissociation, denial, displacement, reaction formation, projection, regression, and splitting. Educational Objective: Projection is a defense mechanism that involves taking one's own unacceptable qualities or feelings and ascribing them to other people. For example, a woman who subconsciously abhors her job, might believe that her boss loathes her. References: First Aid 2014 page 500]]
Approved	Approved::Yes
Keyword	WBRKeyword::Defense mechanism
Linked Question	Linked::
Order in Linked Questions	LinkedOrder::