Concealing dislike for someone by being overly nice to them is an example of which defense mechanism?

Concealing dislike for someone by being overly nice to them is an example of which defense mechanism?

• A. Conceal dislike for someone by being overly nice
• B. Repressing emotions
• C. Channeling aggression into sports
• D. Denying reality

Answer: (A)

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where unacceptable feelings are expressed as their opposite to reduce anxiety. When you dislike someone but act overly nice toward them, you’re masking the true feeling by overcompensating with kindness, which helps keep the social situation smooth on the surface. This differs from repressing emotions (pushing feelings out of conscious awareness), sublimation (redirecting impulses into a socially acceptable outlet like sports), or denial (refusing to acknowledge reality).

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where unacceptable feelings are expressed as their opposite to reduce anxiety. When you dislike someone but act overly nice toward them, you’re masking the true feeling by overcompensating with kindness, which helps keep the social situation smooth on the surface. This differs from repressing emotions (pushing feelings out of conscious awareness), sublimation (redirecting impulses into a socially acceptable outlet like sports), or denial (refusing to acknowledge reality).