What defense mechanism involves attributing one's unacceptable feelings to someone else?

The defense mechanism that involves attributing one's unacceptable feelings to someone else is projection. This process occurs when an individual is unable to accept or acknowledge their own negative emotions, thoughts, or characteristics, and instead, they project those feelings onto another person. For instance, if someone feels anger towards a colleague but cannot accept that feeling, they might accuse the colleague of being angry or hostile instead. This allows the individual to avoid facing their own uncomfortable emotions by externalizing them, thus maintaining a sense of self-esteem and emotional stability.

Understanding projection can help in recognizing how individuals cope with their internal conflicts and can be crucial in therapeutic settings where awareness and management of emotions are key to personal growth and relationships.