Adopting the psychological characteristics of someone else, especially an aggressor you find threatening, is called what?

• A. Introjection
• B. Projection
• C. Denial
• D. Identification

Answer: (D)

The concept here is identification, specifically identifying with the aggressor. This defense mechanism involves unconsciously adopting the traits, attitudes, or behaviors of someone who threatens us in order to feel safer, more powerful, or in closer alignment with that figure. By mirroring the aggressor, a person reduces anxiety and gains a sense of control in the face of threat. This differs from introjection, which is internalizing others’ attributes into your self-concept in a broader way; projection involves blaming others for your own impulses, and denial is simply refusing to acknowledge reality. For example, an individual who feels exposed to a threatening aggressor may start to imitate that aggressor’s mannerisms or beliefs as a way to cope.