AbstractTwo groups of children (mean ages = 7–0 and 10–1) were presented with eight video vignettes depicting unpleasant child‐related situations. The child's defensive reaction was evaluated by means of an open‐ended free response and by choice of one of four response alternatives: turning against the object, turning against the self, projection, and reversal. Sex‐ and age‐related differences were predicted, and found in the younger age group: Boys chose turning against the object more often than did girls, who chose reversal more often th