What does "projection" as a defense mechanism entail?

Projection as a defense mechanism involves attributing one's own unwanted impulses, feelings, or traits to others instead of recognizing them in oneself. This mechanism allows individuals to shield themselves from uncomfortable thoughts or feelings by seeing them in others. For example, a person who harbors feelings of insecurity may accuse others of being insecure or untrustworthy, thereby externalizing their internal struggle.

This coping strategy often helps individuals manage anxiety or distress related to their undesirable qualities by projecting them onto someone else. Projection can manifest in various forms, such as blaming others for one's own mistakes or feeling resentment toward individuals who display traits that one struggles to accept in themselves.

The other options describe different defense mechanisms or strategies. Consciously ignoring unwanted feelings refers to repression; denying one's thoughts relates to denial; and consciously controlling negative emotions is associated with emotional regulation strategies. Each of these concepts differs fundamentally from projection, which specifically involves the misattribution of personal feelings or impulses to others.