Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

Which defense mechanisms are most commonly employed by couples with marital problems?

1. Repression and denial

2. Projection and suppression

3. Repression and displacement

4. Projection and displacement

The correct answer is: Projection and displacement

Couples experiencing marital problems often exhibit defense mechanisms as a way to cope with the emotional distress and conflicts in their relationship. Among these mechanisms, projection and displacement are particularly common. Projection involves attributing one's own undesirable feelings or thoughts onto another person. In the context of marital issues, one partner might accuse the other of being unfaithful or disrespectful when, in fact, they may be feeling those same impulses themselves. This can serve as a way to deflect attention from their insecurities or guilt. Displacement refers to the redirection of emotions or impulses from the original source of distress to a less threatening target. In a marital context, when one partner is upset about a stressful day, they might come home and take out their frustrations on their spouse instead of addressing the root cause of their anger. This mechanism allows individuals to express their feelings, albeit in an unhealthy manner, without confronting the actual issues at hand. Combining projection and displacement reveals a dynamic where individuals are unable to directly address their feelings or conflicts, leading to further misunderstandings and frustrations in the relationship. This combination highlights how couples may struggle with communication and emotional management, often leading to exacerbation of their marital problems.