Unleash Your Inner Social Worker: Master the SWES Human Behavior Exam 2026!

The term that describes when a client channels their aggression towards an innocent bystander rather than addressing the actual source of their feelings is displacement. Displacement involves redirecting emotions, often anger or hostility, away from the provoking object or person and onto a different target that is less threatening or more convenient. This mechanism serves as a coping strategy to deal with feelings that may be overwhelming or uncomfortable to confront directly.

In this case, the client might be experiencing frustration from a situation, such as a difficult workplace conflict, but instead of confronting the actual source of their anger, they might yell at a friend or family member who is not involved in the situation. This allows the individual to release pent-up emotions in a way that feels safer than confronting the real issue head-on. Understanding displacement can help social workers identify patterns in client behavior and guide therapeutic interventions effectively.

The other listed terms represent different psychological defense mechanisms. For instance, projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else, while repression refers to unconsciously blocking unwanted thoughts or impulses from consciousness. Reaction formation entails behaving in a manner opposite to one's true feelings. Each of these mechanisms operates differently and serves distinct purposes in the context of emotional regulation and psychological defense.