University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person reduces anxiety by adopting and expressing beliefs and behaviors that are the opposite of their own true, and often unacceptable, beliefs or feelings.

Reaction Formation

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of reaction formation?

Which of the following is an example of reaction formation?

Which of the following behaviors is an example of reaction formation?

Which of the following statements best describes reaction formation as a defense mechanism?

A high school football player named Joe, who unconsciously feels attracted to other males, experiences anxiety due to a conscious belief that being gay is immoral and would lead to social ostracism. To cope with this conflict, he exhibits behaviors contrary to his unconscious urges, such as acting overly 'macho,' making homophobic jokes, and bullying a gay peer. This serves as an example of reaction formation, where his unacceptable impulses are suppressed by adopting opposing behaviors.

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