Taking out "pent-up" emotions on something else is an example of which defense mechanism?

Displacement is a defense mechanism where an individual takes out their feelings, often those related to frustration or anger, on a different, less threatening object or person. This allows a person to express emotions in a way that is more socially acceptable or safer, rather than dealing directly with the original source of those emotions.

For example, if someone is angry at their boss but cannot express that anger directly at work for fear of consequences, they might come home and vent that frustration by yelling at their partner or by breaking something in the house. This redirecting of emotions helps to alleviate the internal tension without confronting the actual source of the distress.

In contrast, regression involves returning to an earlier stage of development when faced with stress or anxiety. Rationalization is the process of justifying or explaining away behaviors or feelings, often in a manner that seems logical but is not truly reflective of the underlying emotions. Repression entails unconsciously pushing unwanted feelings or thoughts out of awareness. Each of these mechanisms functions differently from displacement, as they do not involve channeling emotions towards a different target.