Which defense mechanism pair is most commonly observed in couples with marital problems?

• A. Projection and displacement
• B. Denial and rationalization
• C. Repression and sublimation
• D. Splitting and idealization

Answer: (A)

In couples dealing with marital problems, the way unresolved anxiety shows up often involves attributing one's own unacceptable feelings to the partner and then redirecting those emotions somewhere else. The best fit is projection paired with displacement. Projection happens when a person accuses the partner of having thoughts or feelings that are actually their own, turning inward conflict into blame toward the other. Displacement takes that built-up emotion and channels it toward a safer target or outlet—like snapping at a child or blaming external stress—rather than facing the underlying issue with the partner. This combination keeps the relationship going while avoiding painful self-examination, and it explains recurring blame and irritability that therapists frequently see in distressed marriages.

Denial and rationalization can occur, but they’re less about a consistent interpersonal pattern and more about individually minimizing or excusing behavior. Repression and sublimation don’t capture the typical partner-to-partner dynamics as clearly; sublimation is about channeling impulses into constructive outlets, which isn’t the common conflict pattern in marital distress. Splitting and idealization describe more extreme, episodic perceptions of a partner rather than the common day-to-day blame-and-redirect cycle seen in many couples facing problems.