This client is using which of the following defense mechanisms?

A schizophrenic client has made sexual overtures toward her physician on numerous occasions. During lunch, the client tells the nurse, “My doctor is in love with me and wants to marry me.”

This client is using which of the following defense mechanisms?
A . Displacement
B . Projection
C . Reaction formation
D . Suppression

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

(A) Displacement involves transferring feelings to a more acceptable object.

(B) Projection involves attributing one’s thoughts or feelings to another person.

(C) Reaction formation involves transforming an unacceptable impulse into the opposite behavior.

(D) Suppression involves the intentional exclusion of unpleasant thoughts or experiences.