Which defense mechanism involves replacing one person or thing with another?

Which defense mechanism involves replacing one person or thing with another?

• A. Substitution
• B. Undoing
• C. Projection
• D. Regression

Answer: (A)

Substitution is a defense mechanism where an individual replaces one target—often a person or object that cannot be obtained or is unsafe—with another that is more available or safer. This helps reduce anxiety by fulfilling a similar need without facing the original conflict. For example, someone who cannot gain the approval of a critical parent might redirect that need into excelling in school or work, or channel affection into a pet or hobby. In contrast, undoing involves acts meant to cancel out a thought or action, projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable feelings to others, and regression is returning to earlier, childlike coping ways. So substitution best fits the idea of replacing one person or thing with another to cope with distress.

Substitution is a defense mechanism where an individual replaces one target—often a person or object that cannot be obtained or is unsafe—with another that is more available or safer. This helps reduce anxiety by fulfilling a similar need without facing the original conflict. For example, someone who cannot gain the approval of a critical parent might redirect that need into excelling in school or work, or channel affection into a pet or hobby. In contrast, undoing involves acts meant to cancel out a thought or action, projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable feelings to others, and regression is returning to earlier, childlike coping ways. So substitution best fits the idea of replacing one person or thing with another to cope with distress.