Imagine a woman who claims that she hates her boss at work. She always criticizes him and argues with him, even when everyone else can see that the things he is saying are clearly correct. During therapy, if her therapist says that this behavior is a sign that she is unconsciously in love with her boss. However, she doesn't know how to process these feelings, so instead she acts like she hates him. The woman's therapist is implying that she is using ______, as a defense mechanism.
a. Sublimation
b. Rationalization
c. Displacement
d. Projection
e. Reaction formation

Displacement is a defense mechanism in which a person directs their unconscious feelings toward a secondary object or target. In the situation described, the woman is displacing her feelings of attraction toward her boss by acting like she hates him. This allows her to avoid acknowledging or expressing these feelings, which could cause her anxiety or discomfort.

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