Some research has found that males with high levels of homophobia show significantly greater increases sexual arousal when shown homoerotic images. According to Freud, this demonstrates the defence mechanism of _____________ as these males may harbour unconscious homosexual impulses that they find unacceptable and transform them into a conscious dislike of homosexuality.

Question

Some research has found that males with high levels of homophobia show significantly greater increases sexual arousal when shown homoerotic images. According to Freud, this demonstrates the defence mechanism of _____________ as these males may harbour unconscious homosexual impulses that they find unacceptable and transform them into a conscious dislike of homosexuality.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Freud, the defence mechanism of reaction-formation involves transforming an unacceptable impulse into its opposite (i.e. a conscious dislike of homosexuality in this case). The fact that males with high levels of homophobia show greater increases in sexual arousal when shown homoerotic images suggests that they may unconsciously harbour homosexual impulses, which they then consciously reject through their homophobic attitudes.

Some Research Has Found That Males with High Levels of Homophobia