Which defense mechanism involves attributing one’s own threatening impulses to others?

The defense mechanism that involves attributing one’s own threatening impulses to others is projection. This psychological concept suggests that individuals project their own unwanted feelings, thoughts, or motives onto someone else as a way to cope with their own anxiety or discomfort about these internal experiences.

For instance, if someone feels insecure about their own abilities, they might accuse a colleague of being incompetent instead. This allows the individual to avoid facing their own insecurities by externalizing them onto another person, thereby reducing their own psychological distress. It serves as a way to manage discomfort while still creating a narrative that allows them to withdraw from confronting their own feelings.

Understanding projection helps to reveal the deeper complexities of human behavior and interpersonal relationships, highlighting how individuals may not only misinterpret the actions of others but also defend against their own conflicting emotions by seeing them reflected in those around them.