Question

An athlete who specializes in long-distance jumping improves his distance by 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) and earns the praise of his coach, but on another day, when he does not reach his mark, he forcefully kicks the door of his locker. What defense mechanism does his outburst demonstrate?

Answer 1

Answer: Displacement

Explanation: Displacement could be referred to as a defense mechanism which involves the transfer of aggression, emotion or tension from the source to a target, the target usually is a less threatening target. In this case, the target here is the locker door. Displacement usually takes place when faced with a unhappy situation and rather than attacking the source, the tension of the disappointment is vented on a less threatening target. The outburst which ensued by kicking the locker which is less threatening target and not another athlete or coach who could react.