Which defense mechanism involves substituting a different object or goal for the impulse or motive?

Which defense mechanism involves substituting a different object or goal for the impulse or motive?

• A. Displacement
• B. Introjection
• C. Rationalization
• D. Sublimation

Answer: (A)

Redirecting an impulse from its original target to a safer substitute is displacement. The energy of the motive is still present, but the target changes to something less threatening or more acceptable. For example, anger aimed at a boss might be redirected to a family member or a pet, or stored as a physical activity like intense exercise. This differs from sublimation, which channels the impulse into a socially productive outlet without changing the underlying motive, and from introjection and rationalization, which involve internalizing others’ standards or justifying behavior rather than moving the impulse to a new target.

Redirecting an impulse from its original target to a safer substitute is displacement. The energy of the motive is still present, but the target changes to something less threatening or more acceptable. For example, anger aimed at a boss might be redirected to a family member or a pet, or stored as a physical activity like intense exercise. This differs from sublimation, which channels the impulse into a socially productive outlet without changing the underlying motive, and from introjection and rationalization, which involve internalizing others’ standards or justifying behavior rather than moving the impulse to a new target.