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

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What is an effect of displacement on relationships?

  1. Improves understanding and empathy

  2. Creates unnecessary tension

  3. Has no noticeable effect

  4. Enhances communication skills

The correct answer is: Creates unnecessary tension

Displacement can be defined as the act of taking out one's emotions on another person or object that is not the original source of those emotions. In relationships, this can often lead to unnecessary tension between individuals because the person who is displacing their emotions may project them onto their partner, causing conflict and misunderstanding. Option A and D may seem like plausible effects, but in reality, displacement can hinder communication and inhibit understanding and empathy. Option C may also appear as a possible outcome, but displacement can often have damaging effects on relationships, thus it cannot be said that it has no noticeable effect. Therefore, the most accurate answer is B.