Introduction
Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously defends against an unwanted or anxiety-provoking impulse by exaggerating its opposite. For example, a person who is afraid of being seen as weak may become overly aggressive. Reaction formation is a common defense mechanism that can be seen in people of all ages.
A defense mechanism where an individual acts in a manner opposite from his or her unconscious beliefs. A homosexual who joined a gay hate group would be an example of reaction formation. Freud believed that defense mechanisms helped us cope with the world around us by letting us repress our deepest unconscious fears.
Definition
Reaction formation is a type of unconscious defense mechanism in which a person expresses an emotion or behavior that is the opposite of their true feelings. For example, someone who is afraid of being seen as weak may become overly aggressive. Reaction formation is a common defense mechanism that can be seen in people of all ages.
History
Reaction formation was first described by Sigmund Freud in his book “The Ego and the Id” (1923). Freud believed that reaction formation was a way for the ego to protect itself from anxiety. When a person is faced with an anxiety-provoking situation, the ego may use reaction formation to avoid feeling the anxiety.
Characteristics
Reaction formation is characterized by the following:
- The person is unaware of their true feelings.
- The person expresses an emotion or behavior that is the opposite of their true feelings.
- The reaction is exaggerated or extreme.
- The reaction is often used to avoid feeling anxiety.
References
- Freud, S. (1923). The ego and the id. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
- Horney, K. (1945). Neurosis and human growth. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
- Sandler, J. (1968). On the concept of the superego. The Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 37(1), 139-153.
- Vaillant, G. E. (1993). Ego mechanisms of defense: A guide for clinicians. New York: Basic Books.