What is an example of reaction formation?
In psychology, reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously replaces an unwanted or anxiety-provoking impulse with its opposite, often expressed in an exaggerated or showy way. A classic example is a young boy who bullies a young girl because, on a subconscious level, he’s attracted to her.
What is an example of reaction formation defense mechanism?
Reaction formation reduces anxiety by taking up the opposite feeling, impulse, or behavior. 3 An example of reaction formation would be treating someone you strongly dislike in an excessively friendly manner in order to hide your true feelings.
How do you respond to reaction formation?
In a therapeutic situation, help a person who is dysfunctionally forming contrary reactions by first create a supportive environment where they can admit and accept what is happening to themselves. Then support their changing of position to somewhere that is more acceptable and appropriate for them.
What is the reaction formation theory?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. In psychoanalytic theory, reaction formation (German: Reaktionsbildung) is a defense mechanism in which emotions and impulses which are anxiety-producing or perceived to be unacceptable are mastered by exaggeration of the directly opposing tendency.
Is sublimation the same as reaction formation?
Reaction formation – behaving in a way that’s opposite of what you’re feeling. Displacement – you take out your unacceptable feelings on someone or something less threatening than the person or thing that’s behind them. And sublimation – you transform “bad” urges into positive and productive activities.
Who developed reaction formation?
8. Reaction Formation. Reaction formation, which Anna Freud called “believing the opposite,” is a psychological defense mechanism in which a person goes beyond denial and behaves in the opposite way to which he or she thinks or feels.
Why does reaction formation happen?
Reaction formation occurs because an individual is anxious or uncomfortable about a particular belief, trait, or preference. By demonstrating the opposite, that uncomfortable characteristic remains unacknowledged, both to themselves and others.
Is reaction formation good or bad?
The reaction formation may feel safe, but if you admit the truth to yourself, it causes you quite a bit of stress to maintain. And avoiding stress was the whole point of creating a defense mechanism in the first place. You don’t need your reaction formation.
Is Reaction Formation good or bad?
What is reaction formation in mental health?
Reaction formation is the fixation in consciousness of an idea, affect, or desire that is opposite to a feared unconscious impulse. A mother who bears an unwanted child, for example, may react to her feelings of guilt for not wanting the child by becoming extremely… In personality: Freud.