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Preliminary evidence suggests that those who unconsciously identify as homosexual'but who consciously identify as straight'report more negative attitudes toward gays than most people do. this best illustrates the defense mechanism known as

User Finlay
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Final answer:

The defense mechanism that best illustrates a person unconsciously identifying as homosexual but consciously identifying as straight is reaction formation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The defense mechanism that best illustrates a person unconsciously identifying as homosexual but consciously identifying as straight, and reporting more negative attitudes toward gays than most people do, is reaction formation. Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which someone expresses feelings, thoughts, and behaviors opposite to their inclinations. For example, Joe, who deep down feels sexually attracted to males but consciously believes that being gay is wrong, may make gay jokes and pick on a gay peer to further submerge his unconscious impulses.

User Jannis Ioannou
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This condition is a repression mechanism of defense. This involves a mechanism which is unconscious and is disturbed by the ego in order to threaten the thoughts from gaining conscious nature. This mechanism is developmental in nature and results in frustation, depression, and anxiety
User Erikzenker
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