Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

Which response pattern is seen in individuals exhibiting paranoia as a defense mechanism?

1. Intellectualization

2. Compartmentalization

3. Denial

4. Projection

The correct answer is: Projection

The response pattern exhibited by individuals demonstrating paranoia as a defense mechanism is rooted in projection. Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses to someone else. In the case of paranoia, individuals may project their feelings of distrust or fear onto others, viewing them as untrustworthy or harmful, even when that may not be the case. This can lead to a distorted perception of reality where the individual feels threatened, as they attribute their own inner conflicts onto their external environment. Projection serves as a way to defend oneself against anxiety about the self by externalizing these uncomfortable feelings onto others. For someone with paranoia, this may manifest as believing that others are plotting against them or have malicious intentions, which ultimately allows them to distance themselves from their own vulnerabilities and fears. Thus, projection not only helps to maintain a sense of safety by blaming others but also perpetuates the individual's paranoid beliefs.