Which defense mechanism involves making up for a perceived inadequacy by developing or emphasizing another desirable trait?

Which defense mechanism involves making up for a perceived inadequacy by developing or emphasizing another desirable trait?

• A. Compensation
• B. Denial
• C. Displacement
• D. Introjection

Answer: (A)

Compensation is a defense mechanism in which a person overemphasizes a strength to offset a perceived weakness. When someone feels inadequate in one area, they may develop or highlight another desirable trait to protect self-esteem. For example, a student who struggles in one subject might pour energy into excelling in sports or music, using that success to balance feelings of inadequacy. Denial involves refusing to accept reality or facts, not addressing the weakness by bolstering another trait. Displacement means transferring emotions from the true target to a safer or more acceptable one. Introjection is about internalizing others’ beliefs or standards as if they were one’s own.

Compensation is a defense mechanism in which a person overemphasizes a strength to offset a perceived weakness. When someone feels inadequate in one area, they may develop or highlight another desirable trait to protect self-esteem. For example, a student who struggles in one subject might pour energy into excelling in sports or music, using that success to balance feelings of inadequacy.

Denial involves refusing to accept reality or facts, not addressing the weakness by bolstering another trait. Displacement means transferring emotions from the true target to a safer or more acceptable one. Introjection is about internalizing others’ beliefs or standards as if they were one’s own.