Psychodynamics: displacement: 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: displacement

Sample item

A man scolded by his boss comes home and shouts at his children over a trivial matter. The defence mechanism is:

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Displacement

Displacement is the transfer of an emotion from its original object to a less threatening substitute. It is a neurotic defence and underlies many phobias.

Option by option

  • A. Displacement (correct)

    Correct. Redirecting anger to a safer target is displacement.

  • B. Denial

    Denial refuses to acknowledge reality.

  • C. Identification

    Identification involves modelling oneself on another person.

  • D. Sublimation

    Sublimation channels impulses into socially useful activity.

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 A, Displacement. Displacement is the transfer of an emotion from its original object to a less threatening substitute.

Why is "Denial" not the answer?

Denial refuses to acknowledge reality.

Why is "Identification" not the answer?

Identification involves modelling oneself on another person.

Why is "Sublimation" not the answer?

Sublimation channels impulses into socially useful activity.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychodynamics: displacement in Psychiatry. It is a neurotic defence and underlies many phobias.

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: displacement?

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.