Illinois CNA State Practice Exam

In which defense mechanism does a person move their behaviors or emotions to a safer person, place, or thing?

1. Displacement

2. Identification

3. Regression

4. Repression

The correct answer is: Displacement

Displacement is the defense mechanism where a person redirects their behaviors or emotions to a safer person, place, or thing. This allows the person to avoid dealing with the original source of their feelings or impulses, which they may feel is too threatening or difficult to handle. This is different from identification, which is where a person takes on the traits or characteristics of someone else to cope with feelings of inadequacy or to boost their self-esteem. Regression is another defense mechanism where a person may revert to an earlier stage of development in order to cope with stress or anxiety, and repression is the unconscious blocking of thoughts or memories that are too painful or threatening. Therefore, displacement is the most appropriate defense mechanism for this scenario.