Which example illustrates Reaction Formation?

Which example illustrates Reaction Formation?

• A. A learner develops a who-cares-about-others' feelings attitude to mask loneliness
• B. A learner denies reality
• C. A learner projects their loneliness onto others
• D. A learner rationalizes a mistake

Answer: (A)

Reaction formation is when someone acts in a way that is the opposite of their true, uncomfortable feelings in order to avoid anxiety. Here, the learner adopts a “who cares about others’ feelings” attitude to disguise loneliness. The outward indifference masks an inner sense of loneliness or vulnerability, which is a classic shift into the opposite stance to protect themselves. Denying reality would involve refusing to accept something true, projection would be putting one’s own uncomfortable feelings onto others, and rationalization would be making excuses to justify a mistake.

Reaction formation is when someone acts in a way that is the opposite of their true, uncomfortable feelings in order to avoid anxiety. Here, the learner adopts a “who cares about others’ feelings” attitude to disguise loneliness. The outward indifference masks an inner sense of loneliness or vulnerability, which is a classic shift into the opposite stance to protect themselves.

Denying reality would involve refusing to accept something true, projection would be putting one’s own uncomfortable feelings onto others, and rationalization would be making excuses to justify a mistake.