When a patient expresses their emotions toward another object, they are using what psychological term?

Displacement is the correct psychological term that describes when a patient expresses their emotions or feelings toward one object or individual that are actually directed toward another. This mechanism allows the individual to redirect feelings, often negative emotions such as anger or frustration, from the original target (which may be threatening or unacceptable) to a safer, substitutive one.

For example, if a person is angry at their boss but cannot express that anger directly due to fear of repercussions, they might instead lash out at a family member or even a pet. This act reduces the anxiety associated with expressing the deep-seated emotions towards the original source of distress.

In contrast, transference involves projecting feelings from one relationship onto another, typically in a therapeutic setting where a patient might project feelings about significant figures (like parents) onto the therapist. Projection would imply that a person attributes their own unacceptable feelings to someone else. Regression refers to reverting to earlier developmental stages in response to stress. These terms do not accurately describe the behavior associated with shifting emotions to another object, which is why displacement is the most fitting choice.