What defense mechanism is evidenced by a client screaming hysterically at the sight of a spider?

The scenario presented involves a client who screams hysterically at the sight of a spider, which indicates a heightened emotional response disproportionate to the actual threat posed by the spider. Displacement is a defense mechanism characterized by redirecting emotions or responses from the original source of distress to a safer or more appropriate target. In this case, the client may be displacing feelings of anxiety, fear, or frustration onto the spider, rather than addressing the underlying issues that are causing such intense emotions.

Since the response is intense and immediate, it suggests that there may be deeper unresolved feelings or fears related to the spider or a broader issue that the individual is not directly confronting. This reaction emphasizes the mechanism of displacement as the client is channeling intense emotions toward a less threatening stimulus (the spider) rather than dealing with the root cause of those emotions.

The other options represent different mechanisms: suppression involves consciously pushing away thoughts or feelings, projection entails attributing one's own unacceptable qualities or feelings to another person, and rationalization is about justifying behaviors or feelings with logical reasons, even if they are not the real reasons. None of these align with the immediate and emotionally charged reaction observed in this scenario as effectively as displacement does.