A man who has numerous reasons to hate his mother instead lavishes her with unrealistic amounts of attention and love. Which defence mechanism is he using?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The man in this scenario is using the defence mechanism of reaction formation, which involves expressing the opposite of one's true feelings. In this case, the man may be harboring deep resentment towards his mother but instead expresses an exaggerated amount of attention and love towards her. This is a form of overcompensation to mask his true feelings.

A Man Who Has Numerous Reasons to Hate His Mother