Which defense mechanism involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else?

Which defense mechanism involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else?

• A. Denial
• B. Projection
• C. Regression
• D. Sublimation

Answer: (B)

Projection is the defense mechanism where you attribute your own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else. It helps lessen anxiety by externalizing the source of the discomfort. For example, a person who feels anger they can’t acknowledge might insist that others are the ones who are angry at them. This differs from denial, which is refusing to accept reality; from regression, which is returning to earlier, childish ways of acting under stress; and from sublimation, which channels unwanted impulses into acceptable activities. Recognizing projection clarifies why people often blame others for feelings they themselves are experiencing.

Projection is the defense mechanism where you attribute your own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else. It helps lessen anxiety by externalizing the source of the discomfort. For example, a person who feels anger they can’t acknowledge might insist that others are the ones who are angry at them. This differs from denial, which is refusing to accept reality; from regression, which is returning to earlier, childish ways of acting under stress; and from sublimation, which channels unwanted impulses into acceptable activities. Recognizing projection clarifies why people often blame others for feelings they themselves are experiencing.