Which defense mechanism is defined as the action of replacing someone or something with another?

Which defense mechanism is defined as the action of replacing someone or something with another?

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

Answer: (C)

Substitution is a defense mechanism in which the ego replaces an unacceptable target with a more acceptable or safer one. This helps reduce anxiety by satisfying the underlying impulse indirectly, without dealing with the original target directly. For example, if someone feels anger toward a person they cannot confront, they might direct that energy toward a different person, a hobby, or a task that feels more manageable. This replacement keeps the impulse from causing distress while avoiding the real relationship or object that’s problematic. Repression involves pushing uncomfortable thoughts out of awareness, not replacing a target. Undoing is about trying to negate or cancel out thoughts or actions with a contrary act. Regression is a retreat to earlier developmental behaviors under stress. Substitution fits the idea of “replacing one thing with another” to ease anxiety, which is why it is the best descriptor in this context.

Substitution is a defense mechanism in which the ego replaces an unacceptable target with a more acceptable or safer one. This helps reduce anxiety by satisfying the underlying impulse indirectly, without dealing with the original target directly. For example, if someone feels anger toward a person they cannot confront, they might direct that energy toward a different person, a hobby, or a task that feels more manageable. This replacement keeps the impulse from causing distress while avoiding the real relationship or object that’s problematic.

Repression involves pushing uncomfortable thoughts out of awareness, not replacing a target. Undoing is about trying to negate or cancel out thoughts or actions with a contrary act. Regression is a retreat to earlier developmental behaviors under stress. Substitution fits the idea of “replacing one thing with another” to ease anxiety, which is why it is the best descriptor in this context.