What best describes Reaction Formation?

What best describes Reaction Formation?

• A. Acting opposite to true belief to reduce anxiety
• B. Denying the existence of a problem
• C. Projecting impulses onto others
• D. Ignoring the issue entirely

Answer: (A)

Reaction formation is an unconscious defense mechanism where anxiety from unacceptable thoughts or impulses is managed by adopting attitudes or behaviors that are the opposite of what’s really felt. The outward display acts as a shield, reducing inner conflict by masking the true feeling with a socially acceptable or exaggerated opposite. For example, a person who actually harbors anger toward someone might behave with excessive kindness and politeness toward that person. Or someone who secretly dislikes a task might praise it publicly and act overly enthusiastic. The key is that the opposite behavior or attitude is a subconscious counterbalance to what’s truly felt. Denying the existence of a problem is denial, not flipping the reaction. Projecting impulses onto others is attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts to someone else. Ignoring the issue is avoidance or suppression, not an opposite display meant to reduce anxiety.

Reaction formation is an unconscious defense mechanism where anxiety from unacceptable thoughts or impulses is managed by adopting attitudes or behaviors that are the opposite of what’s really felt. The outward display acts as a shield, reducing inner conflict by masking the true feeling with a socially acceptable or exaggerated opposite.

For example, a person who actually harbors anger toward someone might behave with excessive kindness and politeness toward that person. Or someone who secretly dislikes a task might praise it publicly and act overly enthusiastic. The key is that the opposite behavior or attitude is a subconscious counterbalance to what’s truly felt.

Denying the existence of a problem is denial, not flipping the reaction. Projecting impulses onto others is attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts to someone else. Ignoring the issue is avoidance or suppression, not an opposite display meant to reduce anxiety.