A client in the primary healthcare provider (PHCP) office is observed getting yelled at by their spouse. When the nurse interviews the client, the client is hostile and shouts at the nurse. This client is exhibiting which defense mechanism?
A client in the primary healthcare provider (PHCP) office is observed getting yelled at by their spouse. When the nurse interviews the client, the client is hostile and shouts at the nurse. This client is exhibiting which defense mechanism?
A. Identification
[2%]
B. Displacement
[84%]
C. Undoing
[5%]
D. Compensation
[9%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Mental Health
Lesson
Mental Health
Client Need
Test Plan
Psychosocial Integrity
Related Topic
Coping Mechanisms
Item Type
Item Type
Analysis
Explanation
Choice B is correct. Displacement is the ego defense mechanism that a client will most likely employ to cope with the stressors associated with lashing out at a target with socially unacceptable hostility. For example, a client under attack by another individual does not react and displaces their reaction (which is often intensified) on someone else. In this case, the spouse shouted at the client, which led to the client unloading their reaction to that conflict by being hostile to the nurse.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Identification is copying and mimicking the behaviors of others to overcome their feelings of inadequacy and lack of value. Undoing is the ego defense mechanism used when someone undoes something that has made them feel guilty, such as buying the wife a bouquet after being unfaithful. Compensation occurs when a person maximizes some strength to overcome feelings of weakness and inadequacy.
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4 Key Topics
Defense Mechanisms in Mental Health
32.2 Psychological Concepts & Safety
Defense Mechanisms
13.1 Psychosocial Stressors & Coping
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