Psychodynamics: identification with the aggressor: 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: identification with the aggressor

Sample item

A boy bullied by his father starts bullying younger children in the same manner. This defence is

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Identification with the aggressor

In identification with the aggressor, a person who has been threatened or abused adopts the aggressor's traits and behaviours to reduce anxiety and feel powerful, described by Anna Freud. Displacement redirects feelings toward a safer target. Reaction formation shows the opposite attitude.

Option by option

  • A. Reaction formation

    Reaction formation expresses the opposite of the impulse.

  • B. Identification with the aggressor (correct)

    Correct. Adopting the abuser's behaviour is identification with the aggressor.

  • C. Intellectualisation

    Intellectualisation is excessive abstract reasoning to avoid emotion.

  • D. Displacement

    Displacement redirects an emotion to a substitute target.

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, Identification with the aggressor. In identification with the aggressor, a person who has been threatened or abused adopts the aggressor's traits and behaviours to reduce anxiety and feel powerful, described by Anna Freud.

Why is "Reaction formation" not the answer?

Reaction formation expresses the opposite of the impulse.

Why is "Intellectualisation" not the answer?

Intellectualisation is excessive abstract reasoning to avoid emotion.

Why is "Displacement" not the answer?

Displacement redirects an emotion to a substitute target.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychodynamics: identification with the aggressor in Psychiatry. Displacement redirects feelings toward a safer target. Reaction formation shows the opposite attitude.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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: identification with the aggressor?

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.