Repeated USMLE Questions Step 1- 180

A 72-year-old man presents to his physician for a follow up after a stroke. The physician pays more attention for the care of this patient, as he reminds him of his father who passed away 3 years ago after having a stroke.

This is an example of which one of these mechanisms?

A-Acting out

B-Displacement

C-Projection

D-Transference

E-Countertransference

Answer






This is an example of countertransference, which is redirection of the physician’s feeling toward his patient. It is opposite to transference, which is redirection of the patient’s feeling of a significant person to the physician. Other options have different definitions.

The correct answer is E