Association of Social Work Boards Masters (ASWB MSW) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Association of Social Work Boards Masters (ASWB MSW) Exam with confidence. Our comprehensive quiz offers detailed questions and explanations to help you understand critical concepts and theories in social work. Get ready to excel in your exam!

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What is substitution in the context of defense mechanisms?

Changing the target of an emotion
Replacing a goal with a more attainable one
Denying a feeling exists
Projecting feelings onto others

The correct answer is: Replacing a goal with a more attainable one

Substitution in the context of defense mechanisms refers to replacing or redirecting an undesirable emotion or behavior with a more acceptable one. Option A, changing the target of an emotion, is not substitution but rather a form of displacement. Option C, denying a feeling exists, is an example of denial, not substitution. Option D, projecting feelings onto others, is a type of defense mechanism known as projection, not substitution. Thus, option B is the best answer as it accurately describes the concept of substitution in defense mechanisms.