Question

A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder may use reaction formation as a defense mechanism to cope with anxiety and stress. What typically occurs in reaction-formation?

1. The client assumes an attitude that is the opposite of an impulse that the client harbors.
2. The client believes his thoughts can control other people and events.
3. The client thinks and talks about a particular idea or subject persistently.
4. The client uses one act to negate a previous act.

Answer 1

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously exhibits the opposite behavior or emotions to what they truly feel, often to manage anxiety or stress.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which an individual expresses attitudes, feelings, or behaviors that are the direct opposite of their true impulses or feelings. This occurs as a means to cope with anxiety and stress, especially when direct expression of such impulses would lead to unacceptable consequences or internal conflict. For example, in reaction formation, a person who harbors feelings of anger towards someone may overly express affection and caring towards that person, concealing their true negative feelings.

When it comes to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), reaction formation may be used by clients to manage the anxiety related to their intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors by acting in a way that is starkly different from how they truly feel. This can be seen as an attempt by the individual's ego to protect itself from the anxiety produced by conflicting internal drives or socially unacceptable impulses.