Andy is an angry child whose aggressive behavior has gotten him into trouble. His parents decide to put him in sports to channel some of this anger into a healthier and more productive outlet. According to the psychodynamic theory of personality, his parents are trying to use the defense mechanism of:A) displacement. B) repression. C) reaction formation. D) sublimation.

C) reaction formation.

Sublimation defense mechanism

Explanation:

The Phenomenon of defense mechanism

The defense mechanism is a concept in psychology that involves an involuntary protection a person develops overtime to keep his fears in check. It protects a person from unwanted stimuli or the environment. For instance, a person might be hurt or angered by another, he/she might deflate the anger to another in a bid to defend himself or feel better.

There are many forms of defense mechanism based on how such a defense mechanism is used namely;

Denial Regression Displacement Rationalization and

a host of others.

Andy' case is that of sublimation defense mechanism

A defense mechanism is termed sublimation when negative behaviors or actions are channeled into productive use. It involves changing a negative drive and energy into something productive and positive.

In Andy's case, he has an anger issue, and it was a negative behavior, which his parents are trying to channel to sports. In this scenario, the parents are making use of a sublimation defense mechanism to combat a negative behavior.