A defense mechanism, operating unconsciously, in which emotions, ideas, or wishes are transferred from their original object to a more acceptable substitute; often used to allay anxiety. This mechanism is commonly observed in dreams and in the formation of phobias.
In psychology, the transfer of hostility from the person or object causing the frustration to a less threatening object or person.
The fact of being moved out. of the usual position.
A type of defense mechanism in which a child (or adult) transfers emotional focus (cathexis) away from a troubling thought or feeling to a less frightening or painful one.
Shifting of something out of its normal position.
The unconscious shift of an emotion from the original source of that emotion to an object, animal, or person perceived as less threatening. A person who releases the stress of the work day by yelling at a spouse or mistreating a pet is engaging in displacement. Displacement, one of the defense mechanisms, is an automatic, unconscious psychological process that protects an individual against stress and internal emotional conflict.
The substitution of one type of behavior for another, usually the substitution of a relatively harmless activity for a harmful one; for example, kicking the cat instead of one’s boss.
A term used in psychological medicine to describe the mental process of attaching to one object (or person), painful emotions associated with another object or person. It is also used to describe the substitution of a certain behaviour for the one which would be more appropriate . under the circumstances. For example, when faced with an emergency, a person may displace their activity into tidying up rather than attending to the basic problem.
Displacement is the act of transferring feelings or emotions from one object or person to another. Often, it is a conscious process aimed at achieving emotional relief without causing harm to oneself or others. However, some psychotherapists consider displacement to be an unconscious defense mechanism, wherein emotions are redirected from their original source to a substitute target.
Displacement from the usual position. In the field of psychiatry, an unconscious mechanism through which anxiety stemming from a suppressed sense of guilt is released through a symbolic act or ritual. This process serves to block the entry of the original and unbearable situation or experience into the conscious mind.