Psyc. Defense Mechanisms

Explanation
Projection is the correct answer because Tim, the shop owner, is projecting his own tendencies as a thief onto others by automatically accusing them of stealing. He is unable to acknowledge his own behavior and instead attributes it to others who appear suspicious in his store. This defense mechanism allows him to avoid confronting his own guilt and maintain a sense of self-righteousness.

Explanation
Karen's explanation for failing her midterm due to being sick and not getting enough sleep is an example of rationalization. Rationalization is a defense mechanism where individuals create justifications or excuses for their actions or behaviors in order to protect their self-esteem or avoid feelings of guilt or responsibility. In this case, Karen is rationalizing her failure by attributing it to external factors beyond her control, rather than taking responsibility for her own choices to party instead of studying.

Explanation
Sublimation is the defense mechanism where an individual channels their unacceptable or negative impulses into socially acceptable behaviors. In this scenario, Nathan redirects his anger into playing the saxophone, which is a productive and creative outlet. By engaging in this activity, he is able to release his anger in a non-harmful way, avoiding taking it out on others. This demonstrates the concept of sublimation as a defense mechanism.

Explanation
Repression is the defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously blocks or pushes away distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings from their conscious awareness. In this scenario, Jenny is using repression to cope with her bad memories of high school bullies by pushing them out of her conscious mind. This allows her to avoid the emotional pain associated with those memories and continue with her daily life without being overwhelmed by negative emotions.

Explanation
In this scenario, James's refusal to believe that his favorite uncle has passed away from illness is an example of denial. Denial is a defense mechanism where individuals refuse to accept or acknowledge a painful reality or truth. James is using denial as a way to cope with the loss of his uncle by rejecting the reality of his death.

Explanation
Reaction Formation is a defense mechanism in which a person expresses the opposite of their true feelings or impulses. In this scenario, Betty initially feels anger towards Matt, but instead of expressing her anger, she becomes friends with him and treats him nicely. This is an example of reaction formation because Betty is displaying behavior that is opposite to her true feelings of anger.