In psychodynamic terms, positive transference is to love as negative transference is to which?

In psychodynamic terms, positive transference is to love as negative transference is to which?

• A. Harmony in interactions
• B. Uncertainty about transference
• C. Hostility toward the therapist
• D. Clarity about feelings

Answer: (B)

Transference is when a patient unconsciously redirects feelings from important people in their life onto the therapist. Positive transference involves loving, affectionate, or idealizing feelings toward the therapist. The opposite pattern in negative transference is hostility toward the therapist—anger, resentment, or antagonism that echoes past conflicts. So the best match for negative transference is hostility toward the therapist. The idea of uncertainty about transference describes awareness or recognition of these dynamics, not the emotional content itself; harmony implies smooth, positive interaction, and clarity about feelings means insight rather than the literal projection of hostility.

Transference is when a patient unconsciously redirects feelings from important people in their life onto the therapist. Positive transference involves loving, affectionate, or idealizing feelings toward the therapist. The opposite pattern in negative transference is hostility toward the therapist—anger, resentment, or antagonism that echoes past conflicts. So the best match for negative transference is hostility toward the therapist. The idea of uncertainty about transference describes awareness or recognition of these dynamics, not the emotional content itself; harmony implies smooth, positive interaction, and clarity about feelings means insight rather than the literal projection of hostility.