Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 94%
Simulated
Two staff nurses were considered for promotion to head nurse. The promotion is announced via a memo on the unit bulletin board. When the nurse who was not promoted first read the memo and learned that the other nurse had received the promotion, she left the room in tears. This behavior is an example of:
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Crying reflects regression, a return to a less mature emotional response to disappointment. Conversion involves physical symptoms, introjection is identification with another, and rationalization is justifying feelings.