Which defense mechanism describes suppressing unacceptable impulses by unconsciously displaying the opposite behavior or emotion?

Which defense mechanism describes suppressing unacceptable impulses by unconsciously displaying the opposite behavior or emotion?

• A. Displacement
• B. Denial
• C. Reaction Formation
• D. Projection

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is a defense mechanism where a person unconsciously replaces an unwanted or anxiety-provoking impulse with the opposite behavior or emotion. This is reaction formation: the impulse remains, but the outward display is the opposite of what the person truly feels, to keep anxiety at bay. Why this fits best: if someone harbors an unacceptable impulse—like anger, aggression, or desire—but unconsciously acts as if they feel the exact opposite, they’re protecting themselves by signaling safety or moral acceptability. For example, someone who secretly feels hostility toward a colleague might act extraordinarily friendly and supportive toward them. The key is that the opposite behavior or emotion is displayed unconsciously as a shield against guilt or anxiety. How it differs from the other defenses: displacement would move that emotion from its true target to a safer substitute (venting at a chair instead of the actual person). Denial involves refusing to accept reality. Projection involves attributing one’s own unwanted thoughts to someone else. Reaction formation is distinct because the outward behavior or emotion directly contradicts the inner impulse, even though the inner impulse persists.

The main idea here is a defense mechanism where a person unconsciously replaces an unwanted or anxiety-provoking impulse with the opposite behavior or emotion. This is reaction formation: the impulse remains, but the outward display is the opposite of what the person truly feels, to keep anxiety at bay.

Why this fits best: if someone harbors an unacceptable impulse—like anger, aggression, or desire—but unconsciously acts as if they feel the exact opposite, they’re protecting themselves by signaling safety or moral acceptability. For example, someone who secretly feels hostility toward a colleague might act extraordinarily friendly and supportive toward them. The key is that the opposite behavior or emotion is displayed unconsciously as a shield against guilt or anxiety.

How it differs from the other defenses: displacement would move that emotion from its true target to a safer substitute (venting at a chair instead of the actual person). Denial involves refusing to accept reality. Projection involves attributing one’s own unwanted thoughts to someone else. Reaction formation is distinct because the outward behavior or emotion directly contradicts the inner impulse, even though the inner impulse persists.