What is the term for the mechanism that shifts sexual or aggressive impulses toward a more acceptable object or person?

The correct term for the mechanism that shifts sexual or aggressive impulses toward a more acceptable object or person is displacement. Displacement occurs when individuals redirect their emotional responses or impulses from their original target to a less threatening substitute. This mechanism helps individuals cope with feelings that might be too overwhelming or socially unacceptable if directed at the true source.

For instance, if someone experiences anger toward their boss but feels unable to express that anger directly, they might instead take out their frustration on a family member or pet. This redirection allows the person to express their emotions in a way that feels safer or more socially acceptable.

Understanding displacement provides insight into human behavior and emotional regulation, illustrating how individuals manage conflicting feelings and maintain social harmony.