Which defense mechanism involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts to others?

Which defense mechanism involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts to others?

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

Answer: (B)

Projection is a defense mechanism where someone unconsciously attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses to other people. By seeing these unwanted traits in others, the person avoids facing them in themselves and reduces anxiety. For example, a person who feels strong anger might insist that others are the ones who are hostile, rather than acknowledging their own anger. Denial would be refusing to accept reality, repression would push those thoughts out of conscious awareness, and regression would involve reverting to earlier, childish behaviors under stress.

Projection is a defense mechanism where someone unconsciously attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses to other people. By seeing these unwanted traits in others, the person avoids facing them in themselves and reduces anxiety.

For example, a person who feels strong anger might insist that others are the ones who are hostile, rather than acknowledging their own anger.

Denial would be refusing to accept reality, repression would push those thoughts out of conscious awareness, and regression would involve reverting to earlier, childish behaviors under stress.