Which of the following is an example of the defense mechanism reaction formation?
A) a politician who solicits sex pushes to increase punishment for prostitution
B) a college student forgets that his paper is due at 8:00 A.M. before the final exam
C) a group of employees throws darts at a picture of their boss
D) a mother explains to her daughter that her dog has passed on

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person behaves in a way that is opposite to their true impulses or feelings. In this example, the politician who solicits sex, but pushes to increase punishment for prostitution, is exhibiting reaction formation as he is behaving in a way that is opposite to his true impulses or desires.

Which of the Following Is an Example of the Defense