Sigmund is interested in his neighbor Sally but is anxious about his attraction to her because his friends may not approve.Every time he sees her,he acts rude and says mean things to her despite his intense attraction to her.What type of defense mechanism does this scenario illustrate?
A)rationalization
B)reaction formation
C)displacement
D)sublimation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario illustrates the defense mechanism of reaction formation, where Sigmund's intense attraction to Sally is converted into opposite behavior as a result of anxiety and fear of social disapproval from his friends.

Sigmund Is Interested in His Neighbor Sally but Is Anxious