A charge nurse is orienting a newly licensed nurse and observes the newly licensed nurse imitating her behaviors. The nurse should recognize this behavior as which of the following defense mechanisms?

Choice A reason: Suppression is a defense mechanism in which an individual consciously and deliberately pushes distressing thoughts, feelings, or memories out of awareness. It is a voluntary process of avoiding certain emotions or ideas. In this scenario, the newly licensed nurse is not attempting to block or avoid thoughts or feelings but is instead copying the behaviors of the charge nurse. Therefore, suppression does not apply here. Choice B reason: Identification is the defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously adopts the characteristics, behaviors, or attitudes of another individual whom they admire or perceive as a role model. This often occurs in professional settings, such as nursing, where a novice nurse may imitate the actions of a more experienced nurse to gain confidence, learn appropriate behaviors, and integrate into the professional role. The newly licensed nurse imitating the charge nurse’s behaviors is a clear example of identification, making this the correct answer. Choice C reason: Compensation is a defense mechanism in which an individual attempts to make up for perceived weaknesses or deficiencies by emphasizing strengths in other areas. For example, someone who feels inadequate academically may excel in sports to balance their self-esteem. In this case, the newly licensed nurse is not compensating for a weakness but is directly modeling the behaviors of the charge nurse. Thus, compensation is not the correct mechanism here. Choice D reason: Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person behaves in a way that is opposite to their true feelings or impulses, often to hide unacceptable emotions. For instance, someone who feels hostility toward another person may act overly friendly toward them. The newly licensed nurse is not displaying opposite behaviors but rather mimicking the charge nurse’s actions. Therefore, reaction formation does not fit this scenario.