Which defense mechanism involves attributing one's own unacceptable impulses to others?

Which defense mechanism involves attributing one's own unacceptable impulses to others?

• A. Rationalization
• B. Projection
• C. Reaction formation
• D. Denial

Answer: (B)

Projection is when a person unconsciously assigns their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses to someone else. This defense keeps anxiety at bay by making the source of the discomfort seem like it comes from outside, not from within. For instance, if someone feels anger they can’t admit, they might accuse others of being angry or hostile toward them. That shift helps them avoid owning the unwanted impulse. Rationalization would involve creating plausible excuses for the behavior rather than accusing others. Denial is a refusal to acknowledge reality or the existence of the impulse. Reaction formation is turning the impulse into its opposite, expressing the exact opposite emotion to hide what’s really felt.

Projection is when a person unconsciously assigns their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses to someone else. This defense keeps anxiety at bay by making the source of the discomfort seem like it comes from outside, not from within. For instance, if someone feels anger they can’t admit, they might accuse others of being angry or hostile toward them. That shift helps them avoid owning the unwanted impulse.

Rationalization would involve creating plausible excuses for the behavior rather than accusing others. Denial is a refusal to acknowledge reality or the existence of the impulse. Reaction formation is turning the impulse into its opposite, expressing the exact opposite emotion to hide what’s really felt.