Darlene is 16 and acts out when angry or depressed. This describes a client who discharges tension by action, called what?

• A. Act-out.
• B. Projective identification.
• C. Introjection.
• D. Regression.

Answer: (A)

Acting out is discharging inner tension through action rather than through verbalizing or thinking things through. When someone like Darlene feels anger or depression, they may respond with impulsive, externalizing behavior instead of discussing or processing the emotion. This pattern helps release tension in the moment, which is common in adolescence when emotional regulation skills are still developing. The other processes involve different ways of handling distress: projective identification centers on projecting feelings onto others and acting as if they possess those feelings; introjection is the internalization of others' attitudes or voices; and regression is returning to earlier, more childish ways of behaving. So, discharging tension by action best describes acting out.