Psychiatric Medications Q 17
Nurse Gerry is aware that the defense mechanism commonly used by clients who are alcoholics is:
A. Displacement
B. Denial
C. Projection
D. Compensation
Correct Answer: B. Denial
Denial is a method of resolving conflict or escaping unpleasant realities by ignoring their existence. Denial is probably one of the best-known defense mechanisms, used often to describe situations in which people seem unable to face reality or admit an obvious truth (e.g., “He’s in denial”). 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 A: Displacement involves taking out our frustrations, feelings, and impulses on people or objects that are less threatening. Displaced aggression is a common example of this defense mechanism. Rather than express our anger in ways that could lead to negative consequences (like arguing with our boss), we instead express our anger towards a person or object that poses no threat (such as our spouse, children, or pets).
Option C: Projection is a defense mechanism that involves taking our own unacceptable qualities or feelings and ascribing them to other people.3 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: Overachieving in one area to compensate for failures in another. The term compensation refers to a type of defense mechanism in which people overachieve in one area to compensate for failures in another. For example, individuals with poor family lives may direct their energy into excelling above and beyond what is required at work.