What defense mechanism is characterized by externalizing forbidden wishes or impulses and attributing them to others?

The correct answer is characterized by the process of taking one's own unacceptable desires or feelings and attributing them to someone else. This psychological mechanism allows individuals to avoid facing their own unwanted thoughts and emotions by projecting them onto others, which can help them maintain a sense of self-image or integrity.

Projection serves as a defense mechanism as it creates a barrier that protects the individual from acknowledging their own feelings or impulses that they may find threatening or distressing. Instead of recognizing these feelings as part of themselves, they perceive them in other individuals, thus alleviating their own internal conflict. For example, someone who feels angry may accuse others of being hostile, thereby externalizing their own emotions.

Understanding this mechanism is essential for recognizing how individuals may cope with their inner turmoil. By attributing their own forbidden wishes or impulses to others, they can navigate social interactions without confronting their own discomfort. This not only gives insight into human behavior but also highlights the complexities involved in emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.