What is the term for redirecting impulses to a safer substitute?

The term for redirecting impulses to a safer substitute is displacement. This psychological defense mechanism involves transferring emotions or impulses from a threatening target to a less threatening one. For example, if an individual feels anger towards a boss but cannot express it directly due to fear of consequences, they might displace this anger onto a family member or a friend, thereby relieving the tension without addressing the original source of frustration.

Displacement is particularly important in understanding how individuals cope with strong emotions or stress, as it allows them to express feelings in a way that feels safer or more manageable. By channeling their impulses in a different direction, individuals can protect themselves from potential harm or conflict that might result from confronting the source of their emotions directly.