When Senator Smith first took office, he was vocal in denouncing homosexuality and equal rights for gays and lesbians. Years later, he revealed he was gay. What defense mechanism might Senator Smith have been experiencing initially?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual expresses feelings, thoughts, or behaviors that are opposite to their actual feelings. Senator Smith's initial vocal denouncement of homosexuality, followed by his later revelation of being gay, suggests he was exhibiting reaction formation by outwardly opposing what he inwardly felt.

When Senator Smith First Took Office, He Was Vocal in Denouncing