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:
- Opposite Behaviors:
- Unconscious Origin:
- Substitute Behaviors:
- Purpose:
- Examples:
- Psychological Implications:
Reaction formation is categorized as a defense mechanism, which is a psychological strategy employed to protect the ego from uncomfortable thoughts or feelings.
Individuals employing reaction formation exhibit behaviors that are contradictory to their unconscious wishes or impulses.
This defense mechanism is not under conscious control and is often driven by deep-rooted, repressed emotions or fears.
By engaging in reaction formation, individuals substitute their genuine feelings with exaggerated or extreme versions of opposing behaviors.
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.
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.
Continuous reliance on reaction formation as a defense mechanism may lead to psychological distress, emotional incongruence, and difficulty in developing authentic relationships.