While talking to another coworker Doug makes many hateful comments about Brian behind his back. Later that morning when he sees Brian, Doug acts very friendly toward Brian and offers to buy him lunch. Which ego defense mechanism best explains Doug's behavior?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Undoing is a defense mechanism in which a person tries to 'undo' an unhealthy, destructive, or otherwise threatening thought or action by engaging in contrary behavior. In this scenario, Doug's act of being friendly and offering to buy Brian lunch after making hateful comments about him can be seen as an attempt to negate or make up for his earlier negative behavior.

While Talking to Another Coworker Doug Makes Many Hateful Comments