Which of the following defense mechanisms is Marissa using when she says “So what if I broke her stupid toy? She’s always bothering me when I want to play video games and no one should have to put up with that all the time.”

Question

(1 point)
Responses

compensation

denial

reaction formation

projection

Answer 1

Marissa is using rationalization as a defense mechanism in her statement. She justifies her actions (breaking the toy) by blaming the other person's behavior (bothering her when she wants to play video games). This helps her to reduce the guilt or discomfort she might feel about her actions by providing a reasoning that makes her feel justified.

However, since "rationalization" is not one of the options provided, the best fit among those listed would be projection, as she is projecting her frustration and justification onto the other person, implying that her actions are a response to the other person's behavior.

The answer to select from your options would be projection.