Psychology 2301 Exam 1 Related

Review Psychology 2301 Exam 1 related questions and content

After cheating on her husband and feeling ashamed, Julia accused her husband of cheating. Such behavior is explained by which of the following defense mechanisms?

  • A. Sublimation
  • B. Displacement
  • C. Projection
  • D. Rationalization
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Projection. Projection is the defense mechanism where one attributes their own unacceptable feelings to others. In this scenario, Julia is projecting her feelings of guilt and shame onto her husband by accusing him of cheating. Sublimation (choice A) involves channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities. Displacement (choice B) is redirecting emotions from the original source to a substitute target. Rationalization (choice D) is providing logical explanations to justify unacceptable behavior, which is not applicable in this context.