Question

Sigmund is interested in his neighbor Sally but is anxious about his attraction to her because his friends may not approve. Every time he sees her, he acts rude and says mean things to her, despite his intense attraction to her. What type of defense mechanism does this scenario illustrate?

A. rationalization
B. reaction formation
C. displacement
D. sublimation

Answer 1

Answer: This is an example of the REACTION FORMATION defence mechanism.

Explanation: Reaction formation is a psychological defense mechanism in which an individual emotions and impulses which are anxiety-producing or perceived to be unacceptable are mastered by behaving in the opposite way often in a very exaggerated performance.

A cause for reaction mechanism is when a person seeks to cover up something unacceptable by adopting an opposite stance.