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

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How is conversion different from other defense mechanisms?

  1. It involves financial decisions

  2. It results in physical symptoms from cognitive tensions

  3. It only affects older adults

  4. It improves sensory functions

The correct answer is: It results in physical symptoms from cognitive tensions

Conversion is a psychological defense mechanism that involves converting repressed emotions and thoughts into physical symptoms, such as pain, paralysis, or blindness. This is different from other defense mechanisms, which may involve denial, projection, or displacement. For example, denial is a defense mechanism where someone refuses to acknowledge or accept a painful reality. Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto someone else. Displacement is when someone directs their emotions onto a less threatening target. None of these defense mechanisms involve physical symptoms like conversion does. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.