Psychodynamics: 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

Sample item

A man humiliated by his supervisor says nothing at work, but shouts at his wife and children when he reaches home. Which defence mechanism is operating?

ADisplacementBReaction formationCSublimationDProjection

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Displacement

Displacement redirects an emotion from its real object, which is threatening, to a safer substitute. It is classed as a neurotic defence. Recognising defence mechanisms helps in understanding behaviour in psychodynamic formulations.

Option by option

A. Displacement (correct)
Correct. The anger is shifted from the supervisor to a safer target.
B. Reaction formation
Reaction formation expresses the opposite of the real feeling, such as excessive politeness toward a person one dislikes.
C. Sublimation
Sublimation channels an impulse into a socially acceptable activity and is a mature defence.
D. Projection
Projection attributes one's own unacceptable feelings to another person.

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.

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is A, Displacement. Displacement redirects an emotion from its real object, which is threatening, to a safer substitute.

Why is "Reaction formation" not the answer?

Reaction formation expresses the opposite of the real feeling, such as excessive politeness toward a person one dislikes.

Why is "Sublimation" not the answer?

Sublimation channels an impulse into a socially acceptable activity and is a mature defence.

Why is "Projection" not the answer?

Projection attributes one's own unacceptable feelings to another person.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychodynamics in Psychiatry. It is classed as a neurotic defence. Recognising defence mechanisms helps in understanding behaviour in psychodynamic formulations.

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?

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.