Displacement

Displacement is a term used in psychology to describe an unconscious defense mechanism where the mind redirects effects from an object felt to be dangerous or unacceptable to an object felt to be safe or acceptable.

Overview

The concept of displacement was developed by Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, who considered it as one of the defense mechanisms. Displacement operates in the mind unconsciously and involves emotions, ideas, or wishes being transferred from their original object to a more acceptable substitute. It is most often used to allay anxiety and can manifest as physical symptoms, such as headaches and ulcers.

Types of Displacement

There are two types of displacement: Aim Displacement and Object Displacement.

Aim Displacement

Aim displacement involves changing the goal of an instinctual drive. This is often seen in the context of sexual or aggressive impulses. For example, a person may displace their sexual desires onto a non-threatening object, such as a piece of clothing or a fetish object.

Object Displacement

Object displacement involves transferring feelings or impulses from the original object to a substitute object. This is often seen in the context of anger or frustration. For example, a person may displace their anger towards their boss onto a family member or pet.

Examples of Displacement

Displacement can occur in a variety of contexts, including:

• Workplace Displacement: An employee may displace their frustration with their boss onto their colleagues or subordinates.
• Family Displacement: A parent may displace their anger or frustration onto their child.
• Social Displacement: A person may displace their social anxieties onto a particular group or individual.

See Also

• Defense Mechanisms
• Freudian Psychology
• Psychoanalysis

References

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