Which defense mechanism describes redirecting emotional impulses from their original source to a safer substitute target?

• A. Rationalization
• B. Displacement
• C. Projection
• D. Denial

Answer: (B)

Redirecting emotional impulses from their original source to a safer substitute target is displacement. This defense helps reduce anxiety by transferring energy from a threatening source to something or someone less intimidating, so the uncomfortable feeling can be expressed without directly confronting the real source. For example, after a stressful day at work, you might vent at a family member or hit a pillow instead of confronting your boss.

Rationalization involves giving logical excuses to justify unacceptable feelings or actions, not moving the emotion to a different target. Denial means refusing to acknowledge a painful reality. Projection means treating your own unwanted feelings as if they belong to someone else.