Which defense mechanism involves a mother expressing anger at her husband by yelling at her child?

Displacement is the defense mechanism at play in the scenario described. This occurs when an individual channels their feelings of anger or frustration toward a less threatening target rather than confronting the source of their emotion. In the given example, the mother feels anger toward her husband but redirects that anger to her child by yelling at them. This allows her to express her emotions in a way that feels safer or less risky than addressing the conflict with her husband directly.

In this context, displacement serves as a coping mechanism, enabling the mother to manage her emotions without directly confronting the more threatening source of her anger. This mechanism helps individuals avoid the anxiety that might arise from facing their true feelings head-on. Understanding the dynamics of displacement can provide insight into behavioral patterns in familial relationships and conflicts.