Which statement best defines the ego defense mechanism known as reaction formation?

• A. Transforming unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable behavior.
• B. Coping with stress by reverting to earlier developmental stage.
• C. Blocking unpleasant feelings from awareness.
• D. Actively expressing the opposite impulse when confronted with a threatening or forbidden impulse.

Answer: (D)

Reaction formation is when anxiety from an unacceptable impulse is managed by outwardly displaying the opposite impulse. Instead of merely hiding the feeling, the person acts in a way that is the exact opposite of what they truly feel. This can show up as exaggerated friendliness toward someone they actually dislike, or moralistic condemnation of a behavior they secretly harbor in some form. The key idea is the outward expression of the opposite attitude to reduce inner distress.

This differs from sublimation, which channels the impulse into a socially valued activity rather than its opposite expression. It also differs from repression, which keeps the impulse out of conscious awareness, and from regression, which involves returning to earlier developmental patterns under stress.