Which defense mechanism describes directing unacceptable feelings toward another target?

Displacement is the defense mechanism that involves redirecting feelings of anger, frustration, or other emotions from their original source to a safer or more acceptable target. This process allows individuals to cope with emotions that they might feel uncomfortable expressing directly. For example, if someone is upset with their boss but cannot express this anger due to fear of consequences, they might take it out on a family member or friend instead. This mechanism helps to alleviate the tension stemming from the original conflict while allowing the individual to express emotions in a manner that feels less threatening.

In contrast, projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or thoughts onto someone else, suggesting that they possess these traits rather than oneself. Repression refers to the unconscious blocking of uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, pushing them out of awareness rather than addressing them. Denial is the refusal to accept reality or facts, acting as if a painful event or feeling does not exist. Displacement, therefore, stands out as the correct answer for its specific focus on shifting emotions to a different target.