Displacement is a psychological defense mechanism in which a person directs a negative emotion away from its source and toward a less dangerous recipient. Displaced aggression is a classic example of defense. If a person is angry but can't direct it at the source without causing harm, they may "take it out" on someone or something that isn't as dangerous.
Displacement is a psychological defense mechanism in which a person directs a negative emotion away from its source and toward a less dangerous recipient. Displaced aggression is a classic example of defense. If a person is angry but can't direct it at the source without causing harm, they may "take it out" on someone or something that isn't as dangerous.