Some people say that whenever anger draws upon children, they go to play. Until they feel better which of the defence mechanisms is represented by this behaviour ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 2, Displacement, is the correct answer for the behavior described in the question. Displacement is a defense mechanism where an individual redirects their emotions or feelings from the original source of distress to a safer or more acceptable substitute. In this case, when children feel anger, they redirect this emotion by engaging in play. This allows them to express and release their pent-up emotions in a non-threatening and constructive manner, ultimately helping them to feel better.

Here's why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Projection**: This defense mechanism involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else. For example, if a person is feeling angry, they might accuse someone else of being angry instead. In the scenario described, the children are not attributing their anger to others; they are redirecting it through play.

3. **Reaction Formation**: This involves behaving in a way that is opposite to one's true feelings. For instance, someone who feels angry might act overly friendly towards the person they are angry with. The children in the scenario are not exhibiting behavior opposite to their anger; they are channeling it through play.

4. **Sublimation**: This is a defense mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses are transformed into socially acceptable actions or behaviors. While similar to displacement, sublimation involves channeling emotions into productive activities, such as art or sports. In the scenario, the children are not necessarily engaging in a productive or socially valued activity; they are simply playing to manage their emotions.

In summary, displacement is the most accurate defense mechanism represented by the children's behavior of playing to cope with anger, as it involves redirecting their emotional response to a more acceptable outlet.