Reaction Formation

Definition:

Reaction formation, in psychology, refers to a defense mechanism where individuals express behaviors or attitudes that are opposite to their true feelings or desires.

Key Points:

  • Defense Mechanism:
  • Reaction formation is categorized as a defense mechanism, which is a psychological strategy employed to protect the ego from uncomfortable thoughts or feelings.

  • Opposite Behaviors:
  • Individuals employing reaction formation exhibit behaviors that are contradictory to their unconscious wishes or impulses.

  • Unconscious Origin:
  • This defense mechanism is not under conscious control and is often driven by deep-rooted, repressed emotions or fears.

  • Substitute Behaviors:
  • By engaging in reaction formation, individuals substitute their genuine feelings with exaggerated or extreme versions of opposing behaviors.

  • Purpose:
  • The primary objective of reaction formation is to alleviate anxiety or internal conflict by adopting an attitude or behavior that is the complete opposite of one’s true feelings.

  • Examples:
  • Common examples of reaction formation include expressing exaggerated love and care towards an individual one secretly dislikes, or publicly displaying strong religious beliefs when privately harboring doubts.

  • Psychological Implications:
  • Continuous reliance on reaction formation as a defense mechanism may lead to psychological distress, emotional incongruence, and difficulty in developing authentic relationships.