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

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Which defense mechanism involves expressing emotional conflict through action rather than discussion?

  1. Dissociation

  2. Devaluation

  3. Acting Out

  4. Denial

The correct answer is: Acting Out

Acting Out is a defense mechanism where a person unconsciously expresses emotions through physical or verbal actions. This differs from Dissociation in that dissociation involves a disconnection from one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Devaluation is a defense mechanism where a person minimizes the importance of something or someone to avoid potential hurt. Denial is a defense mechanism where a person refuses to acknowledge or accept reality. These options do not involve expressing emotional conflict through action, making them incorrect choices.