Reaction formation?

Reaction formation?

• A. Projection
• B. Reaction formation
• C. Denial
• D. Sublimation

Answer: (B)

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses are converted into their opposite in thoughts, feelings, or behavior to ease anxiety. So, the outward attitude or action you see is a reversal of the inner impulse. For example, someone who secretly feels anger toward a coworker may behave with exaggerated kindness and politeness toward that person. This keeps the uncomfortable feeling out of conscious awareness by presenting the opposite stance. Projection would involve attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts to someone else, not acting opposite to one’s true feeling. Denial means refusing to accept reality. Sublimation channels the impulse into a socially acceptable outlet rather than displaying the opposite emotion or behavior. Because the scenario involves showing the opposite attitude to cover up an inner impulse, reaction formation is the best fit.

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses are converted into their opposite in thoughts, feelings, or behavior to ease anxiety. So, the outward attitude or action you see is a reversal of the inner impulse. For example, someone who secretly feels anger toward a coworker may behave with exaggerated kindness and politeness toward that person. This keeps the uncomfortable feeling out of conscious awareness by presenting the opposite stance.

Projection would involve attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts to someone else, not acting opposite to one’s true feeling. Denial means refusing to accept reality. Sublimation channels the impulse into a socially acceptable outlet rather than displaying the opposite emotion or behavior. Because the scenario involves showing the opposite attitude to cover up an inner impulse, reaction formation is the best fit.