Which defense mechanism involves expressing the opposite impulse when faced with a threatening emotion?

Which defense mechanism involves expressing the opposite impulse when faced with a threatening emotion?

• A. Regression
• B. Reaction formation
• C. Projection
• D. Compensation

Answer: (B)

The correct choice involves a concept known as reaction formation, which is a defense mechanism within psychoanalytic theory. This mechanism occurs when a person feels an uncomfortable or threatening emotion and then acts in the opposite manner to those feelings. For example, if someone feels anger towards a person but finds that unacceptable, they may instead express overly affectionate or kind behaviors toward that individual, effectively masking their true feelings with exaggerated, contradictory behaviors.

Reaction formation serves to protect the individual from anxiety or internal conflict associated with their genuine feelings. It illustrates how individuals can cope with emotions that may be socially or personally threatening by transforming them into their opposites. This mechanism can provide immediate relief from uncomfortable feelings, although it may not address the underlying issues at play.