🥸intro to psychology review

key term - Reaction Formation

Definition

Reaction formation is a psychological defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously replaces an unacceptable impulse or desire with its opposite. It involves the transformation of a threatening or unacceptable thought, feeling, or behavior into its polar opposite as a means of coping with the original impulse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Reaction formation is a key concept in Freudian psychoanalytic theory, where it is seen as a way to manage unacceptable impulses or desires.
  2. The individual may express the opposite of their true feelings or desires as a means of avoiding the original, unacceptable impulse.
  3. Reaction formation can lead to the development of rigid, extreme, or even obsessive behaviors as the individual tries to convince themselves and others of their new, opposing stance.
  4. This defense mechanism is often observed in individuals who exhibit phobias, obsessions, or compulsions as a way to cope with underlying anxieties or forbidden desires.
  5. Reaction formation is considered a relatively immature defense mechanism, as it does not allow the individual to confront and resolve the original, unacceptable impulse.

Review Questions

  • Explain how reaction formation functions as a psychological defense mechanism.
    • Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously replaces an unacceptable impulse or desire with its opposite. This allows the person to avoid confronting the original, threatening thought or feeling by expressing the exact opposite behavior or attitude. For example, someone with strong aggressive urges may become overly polite and passive to defend against these unacceptable impulses. The transformation of the original impulse into its polar opposite serves to protect the individual's conscious mind from the anxiety or distress associated with the unacceptable desire.
  • Describe the potential consequences of relying on reaction formation as a coping strategy.
    • Relying on reaction formation as a primary defense mechanism can lead to the development of rigid, extreme, or even obsessive behaviors. As the individual tries to convince themselves and others of their new, opposing stance, they may become increasingly inflexible and disconnected from their true feelings and desires. This can hinder personal growth and self-awareness, as the individual is unable to confront and resolve the original, unacceptable impulse. Additionally, the use of reaction formation may contribute to the emergence of phobias, obsessions, or compulsions as the individual struggles to maintain their defensive posture against the underlying anxiety or forbidden desires.
  • Analyze how reaction formation relates to Freud's psychodynamic perspective and the concept of the unconscious mind.
    • Reaction formation is a key concept within Freud's psychodynamic theory, which emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind in shaping behavior and personality. According to Freudian theory, reaction formation is a defense mechanism employed by the ego to protect the conscious mind from anxiety or distress associated with unacceptable impulses or desires. By transforming the original, threatening thought or feeling into its opposite, the individual is able to avoid directly confronting the underlying issue. This process is believed to occur outside of conscious awareness, highlighting the importance of the unconscious mind in Freudian psychology. The use of reaction formation as a coping strategy reflects Freud's broader perspective on the dynamic interplay between the conscious and unconscious realms of the psyche, and the ways in which the ego employs various defenses to maintain psychological equilibrium.

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