Retroflected anger is defined as anger directed toward whom?

• A. Anger directed toward others
• B. Anger directed toward oneself
• C. Anger directed at the situation
• D. Anger directed at the deceased

Answer: (B)

Retroflection is a defense where anger that would normally be aimed at others is redirected toward the self. In mourning, this shows up as self-directed anger—feeling angry at oneself, blaming oneself, or criticizing one’s own actions and choices that are linked to the loss. This inward turning keeps the emotional energy from being expressed outwardly, which can make the grief feel heavier or more self-critical. Anger directed at others would be externalization, anger at the situation targets the circumstances, and anger at the deceased targets the person who died; none of these describe turning the anger inward toward oneself. So the best fit is anger directed toward oneself.