Which defense mechanism involves redirecting emotions toward a different target?

Displacement is a defense mechanism where an individual redirects emotions or impulses from a target that is perceived as threatening or anxiety-provoking to a more acceptable or less threatening substitute. For example, if someone is upset with their boss but feels it is inappropriate to express that anger directly, they might come home and take out their frustration on a family member or even a pet.

This mechanism serves to alleviate the discomfort associated with the original target of the emotion while allowing the individual to express those feelings in a way that feels safer or more permissible. Understanding displacement is important in the context of psychological responses, as it highlights how people cope with stress and emotional conflicts by directing their feelings elsewhere instead of addressing the underlying issue directly. This can be a common occurrence in various interpersonal relationships and situations, illustrating the complexity of emotional responses.