Which defense mechanism involves expressing frustration indirectly rather than openly?

The choice indicating passive aggression accurately describes a defense mechanism where an individual expresses negative feelings, such as frustration or resentment, indirectly rather than openly confronting the issue. This behavior often manifests through subtle actions like procrastination, sulking, or backhanded comments, rather than direct communication of feelings.

In situations involving passive aggression, the person may feel unable to express their anger or displeasure openly, leading them to demonstrate their feelings in a covert manner. This often leads to misunderstandings and unresolved tensions, as the underlying feelings are not addressed directly.

The other concepts mentioned, while related to psychological defense mechanisms, do not align with the premise of indirect expression of frustration. For instance, sublimation refers to channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities, projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable feelings onto others, and intellectualisation denotes a detached analysis of emotional situations rather than directly addressing the emotions involved. Each of these mechanisms serves a different psychological function compared to the nuances of passive aggression.