WBR0402
| Author | [[PageAuthor::Rim Halaby, M.D. [1] (Reviewed by Alison Leibowitz)]] |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | ExamType::USMLE Step 1 |
| Main Category | MainCategory::Behavioral Science/Psychiatry |
| Sub Category | SubCategory::General Principles |
| Prompt | [[Prompt::A 32-year-old husband and wife attend marital counseling. During their first individual sessions, the wife states that her husband has been been abusing her ever since she had their first child. When approached by the counselor, the husband reluctantly confirms his wife's accusation. He attempts to validate his abusive behavior by claiming that she “deserves it". Upon further questioning, the psychologist learns that the husband was abused by his father when he was a child. Which of the following forms of defense is the husband exhibiting?]] |
| Answer A | AnswerA::Acting out |
| Answer A Explanation | AnswerAExp::Acting out is the expression of unacceptable feelings through actions. |
| Answer B | AnswerB::Denial |
| Answer B Explanation | AnswerBExp::Denial is the refusal to confront an undesirable aspect of reality. |
| Answer C | AnswerC::Identification |
| Answer C Explanation | AnswerCExp::Secondary identification refers to modeling one's behavior after a figure of authority. |
| Answer D | AnswerD::Projection |
| Answer D Explanation | AnswerDExp::Projection refers to the attribution of an improper personal desire or inclination to an external source. |
| Answer E | AnswerE::Displacement |
| Answer E Explanation | AnswerEExp::Displacement is the transferral of undesirable feelings to a neutral person or object. |
| Right Answer | RightAnswer::C |
| Explanation | [[Explanation::In this scenario the husband is exhibiting a form of immature defense, termed as secondary identification. He models his abusive behavior after his father, whom the patient considers an authority figure. Educational Objective: Secondary identification refers to modeling one's behavior after a figure of authority. |
| Approved | Approved::Yes |
| Keyword | |
| Linked Question | Linked:: |
| Order in Linked Questions | LinkedOrder:: |