The nurse is observing various clients in an outpatient behavioral health clinic. Match each client behavior or statement to the specific defense mechanism it represents.
- A client who is intensely angry at their employer for a recent demotion comes home and yells at their spouse.Displacement
- A client who harbors deep resentment toward their sibling constantly showers the sibling with exaggerated affection and expensive gifts.Reaction Formation
- A client consciously decides to stop worrying about a recent relationship breakup so they can focus entirely on studying for an upcoming final exam.Suppression
- A client who loses their temper and verbally abuses the clinic receptionist later returns with a bouquet of flowers and excessive apologies.Undoing
Answer
The angry employee yelling at their spouse matches Displacement. The client showing exaggerated affection toward a resented sibling matches Reaction Formation. The client intentionally ignoring a breakup to study matches Suppression. The client bringing flowers after an outburst matches Undoing.
Each client behavior perfectly illustrates a classic presentation of psychological defense mechanisms used to protect the ego from anxiety. Correctly matching them requires understanding the subtle differences, such as directing feelings at a substitute (displacement) versus reversing the feeling entirely (reaction formation).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying ego defense mechanisms in clinical and daily scenarios