Which of the following is a feature of displacement in psychology?

Displacement in psychology refers to a defense mechanism where an individual shifts emotional responses from a threatening or unacceptable target to a less threatening one. This process allows individuals to cope with feelings that they may find too anxiety-provoking or overwhelming by redirecting those feelings toward something or someone that poses less risk or danger. For example, if a person is angry at their boss but feels that expressing this anger could have negative consequences, they may instead take out this frustration on a family member or a pet. This mechanism helps manage emotional stress by providing an outlet for feelings in a way that feels safer and more manageable.

In contrast, direct confrontation of feelings involves openly facing emotions, which does not align with the concept of displacement. Suppression of feelings entails consciously attempting to push away or ignore emotions entirely, rather than transferring them elsewhere. Sharing feelings directly with the source of those emotions suggests a level of openness and honesty that is antithetical to the avoidance characteristic of displacement. Therefore, shifting feelings to a less threatening target encapsulates the essence of displacement effectively.