When does a person have a reaction formation?
If someone angrily rails against something, it’s not necessarily because they secretly want that thing, and they may never admit it even if they do. This is also why a reaction formation is more likely when the desire is partly or wholly subconscious.
Who is the founder of the reaction formation theory?
Famed psychologist Sigmund Freud first identified the concept, then later explored it in greater detail by his daughter Anna. This fits into Sigmund Freud’s general model as an ego defense, something we do to protect ourselves that we don’t want others to know, or even something we don’t want to admit to ourselves.
When does reaction formation become problematic in mental health?
Reaction formation may be a temporary coping mechanism, but it’s unproductive in the long run. It ignores underlying beliefs or challenges that need to be addressed, which can hurt mental health. When does reaction formation become problematic?
Which is the best example of reaction formation?
In psychology, reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously replaces an unwanted or anxiety-provoking impulse with its opposite, often expressed in an exaggerated or showy way. A classic example is a young boy who bullies a young girl because, on a subconscious level, he’s attracted to her.
What are the primary motivators of reaction formation?
Fear, shame, and confusion are some of the primary motivators for reaction formation. Because we all experience those feelings for different reasons, it’s hard to know for sure what’s going on.
How does living a lie cause a reaction formation?
To prove the point about a reaction formation causing more stress than it protects you against, consider the research that shows that living a lie causes significant stress and impaired health to most people. Going to the extremes in trying to hide your true self sets you up for a dysfunctional personality and unstable life.