Displacement
Definition
Displacement is a defense mechanism where negative feelings are transferred from the original source to a less threatening person or object.
Analogy
Imagine you're having a bad day at school because of a tough exam. When you get home, instead of expressing your frustration about the exam, you snap at your little brother for leaving his toys around. Here, your brother is an easier target for your frustration than the actual cause - the tough exam.
Related terms
Projection: This is another defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts and feelings to someone else.
Reaction Formation: This involves behaving in a way that's exactly opposite of one's true feelings as a way to cope with anxiety.
Transference: This refers to unconsciously redirecting feelings experienced in an important personal relationship towards another person.
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