Which defense mechanism involves behaving in a manner or expressing a feeling opposite of one's true feelings?

Which defense mechanism involves behaving in a manner or expressing a feeling opposite of one's true feelings?

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

Answer: (D)

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where a person acts or speaks in ways that are the opposite of what they actually feel, as a way to reduce anxiety from unacceptable impulses. For example, someone who harbors anger toward a coworker might be excessively cheerful, complimentary, and friendly in their presence. This behavior masks the true feeling by signaling the opposite emotion outward, which can lessen internal conflict and preserve self-esteem. This differs from sublimation, which redirects forbidden impulses into socially acceptable activities (not the opposite emotion, but a constructive outlet). Denial involves refusing to acknowledge reality, not reversing feelings. Displacement shifts emotions from the real target to a safer one, rather than expressing the opposite of the feeling itself.

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where a person acts or speaks in ways that are the opposite of what they actually feel, as a way to reduce anxiety from unacceptable impulses. For example, someone who harbors anger toward a coworker might be excessively cheerful, complimentary, and friendly in their presence. This behavior masks the true feeling by signaling the opposite emotion outward, which can lessen internal conflict and preserve self-esteem.

This differs from sublimation, which redirects forbidden impulses into socially acceptable activities (not the opposite emotion, but a constructive outlet). Denial involves refusing to acknowledge reality, not reversing feelings. Displacement shifts emotions from the real target to a safer one, rather than expressing the opposite of the feeling itself.