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Displacement is a psychological defense mechanism in which negative feelings are transferred from the original source of the emotion to a less threatening person or object. The negative emotions elicited toward the source of the feelings are instead redirected toward a more powerless substitute. This target may take the form of a person or even an object. This defense allows the individual to act out their emotions in a way that decreases the chances of negative repercussions.
Displaced aggression is one of the classic examples of this defense. When people feel angry but cannot direct that anger toward the source of their frustration, they transfer those feelings to someone or something else. A person who becomes angry at her professor, for example, may come home and take her anger out on her spouse.
Defense mechanisms are one way of reducing anxiety and restoring balance. These defenses operate unconsciously to help decrease anxiety from things that people find threatening or unacceptable. While unconscious feelings or urges might be outside of awareness, they can still influence behavior and create anxiety for the individual.
Imagine that you had a bad day at work and were reprimanded by your manager. Venting your anger or frustration on your boss would not only be unwise, but it might also even lead to you losing your job. Instead, you withhold your emotions until you get home from work, where you unleash your frustrations on your unsuspecting roommate, yelling at him over a very minor irritation.
Once you start to recognize instances of unhealthy displacement in your own life, the next step is to look for purposeful ways to alter your thinking and behaviour. When you find yourself engaging in maladaptive behaviors that may be the result of displacement, make a conscious effort to reframe the situation and seek a healthier outlet for your feelings.
For example, if you are yelling at your spouse due to the displacement of your frustrations from work, step back and take a moment to regain control. Make a conscious effort to redirect your feelings toward a more appropriate target. Alternative outlets might include writing down your feelings, engaging in physical exercise, or working out your feelings through a productive hobby.