Question

A client tells a nurse that she hates her mother, who paid little attention to her when she was growing up. The nurse is documenting the client's use of the defense mechanism of reaction formation. Which client statement represents this defense mechanism?

A) ""I don't like to talk about my relationship with my mother.""
B) ""It's my mother's fault that I feel this way.""
C) ""I have a very wonderful mother whom I love very much.""
D) ""My mom always loved my sister more than she loved me.

Answer 1

The client's statement that represents the defense mechanism of reaction formation is the one where she expresses exceedingly positive feelings towards her mother despite previously stating the opposite.

Step-by-step explanation:

The defense mechanism of reaction formation is where an individual expresses thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are the opposite of their actual inclinations. Using the information provided, the client statement that represents this defense mechanism is C) "I have a very wonderful mother whom I love very much." Although the client previously expressed hatred towards her mother, this statement shows the client conveying a very positive feeling which is the opposite of her true feelings, fitting the definition of reaction formation.