Personality and Mood Disorders Q 79
Clients who are suspicious primarily use projection for which purpose:
A. Deny reality.
B. To deal with feelings and thoughts that are not acceptable.
C. To show resentment towards others.
D. Manipulate others.
Correct Answer: B. To deal with feelings and thoughts that are not acceptable.
Projection is a defense mechanism where one attributes one’s feelings and inadequacies to others to reduce anxiety. Projection is a defense mechanism that involves taking our own unacceptable qualities or feelings and ascribing them to other people.
Option A: This is not true in all instances of projection. Denial is an outright refusal to admit or recognize that something has occurred or is currently occurring. People living with drug or alcohol addiction often deny that they have a problem, while victims of traumatic events may deny that the event ever occurred.
Option C: For example, if you have a strong dislike for someone, you might instead believe that they do not like you. Projection works by allowing the expression of the desire or impulse, but in a way that the ego cannot recognize, therefore reducing anxiety.
Option D: This focuses on the self rather than others. Manipulation is using others for one’s own advantage as a self defense mechanism. Manipulating others to try and get people to do what is desired for personal gain usually backfires eventually.