Psychodynamics: projective identification: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Psychodynamics: projective identification

Sample item

A borderline patient who feels unconsciously angry accuses the therapist of being hostile and behaves provocatively until the therapist actually feels irritated. This defence is

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Projective identification

In projective identification, an unacceptable feeling is projected onto another person, who is then induced to feel and behave in accord with the projection, while the projector stays connected to the other. Simple projection only attributes the feeling without inducing it. It is an immature defence seen in borderline personality.

Option by option

  • A. Reaction formation

    Reaction formation turns an impulse into its opposite.

  • B. Projective identification (correct)

    Correct. Inducing the other to feel the projected emotion is projective identification.

  • C. Simple projection

    Simple projection lacks the induction of the feeling in the other.

  • D. Isolation of affect

    Isolation of affect separates feeling from the idea.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is B, Projective identification. In projective identification, an unacceptable feeling is projected onto another person, who is then induced to feel and behave in accord with the projection, while the projector stays connected to the other.

Why is "Reaction formation" not the answer?

Reaction formation turns an impulse into its opposite.

Why is "Simple projection" not the answer?

Simple projection lacks the induction of the feeling in the other.

Why is "Isolation of affect" not the answer?

Isolation of affect separates feeling from the idea.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychodynamics: projective identification in Psychiatry. Simple projection only attributes the feeling without inducing it. It is an immature defence seen in borderline personality.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Psychodynamics: projective identification?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.