What is displacement as a defense mechanism?

Displacement is a defense mechanism that involves redirecting emotions and feelings, usually negative ones such as anger or frustration, from their original source to a safer or more acceptable target. This mechanism allows an individual to cope with an emotion that they cannot express directly toward the source of their feelings due to fear, danger, or social constraints. For example, if someone is angry at their boss but feels that expressing that anger could lead to negative consequences, they might instead displace that anger by taking it out on a family member or friend. This transition allows the individual to express their emotions without directly confronting the source of those emotions.

The other responses describe different psychological processes: shifting thoughts from awareness to the subconscious aligns more with repression, while offering excuses for unacceptable behavior relates to rationalization. Reflecting on inner thoughts for self-understanding is a form of introspection rather than a defense mechanism. Thus, the first choice most accurately represents the concept of displacement.