An individual is distressed by her attraction to her supervisor. As a result, she acts coldly toward her supervisor and regularly tells her colleagues how much she despises her supervisor. This response is best characterized as which of the following, according to psychoanalytic theory?

Question

An individual is distressed by her attraction to her supervisor.  As a result, she acts coldly toward her supervisor and regularly tells her colleagues how much she despises her supervisor.  This response is best characterized as which of the following, according to psychoanalytic theory?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecba2d_0d91_3efa_a3bf_a1ba0c3d8966_MD0008_00 According to psychoanalytic theory, defense mechanisms are a largely unconscious means of dealing with anxiety or stress, often through distorting or ignoring aspects of reality. Some defense mechanisms are more adaptive (eg, directing unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable behaviors) and provide an effective means of coping with stress, whereas others are less adaptive (eg, avoiding feelings through drug use) and can result in additional problems (eg, job loss). Reaction formation occurs when individuals outwardly express the opposite of how they actually feel when those thoughts and feelings are distressing. An individual whose attraction causes her distress is exhibiting reaction formation by outwardly expressing the opposite of attraction (eg, acting coldly) toward her supervisor. (Choice A) Displacement involves taking out one's unacceptable thoughts and behaviors on another person or object. If this individual were employing displacement, she might exhibit attraction toward a peer rather than her supervisor (eg, "I feel attracted to my coworker"). (Choice B) Rationalization involves making excuses to oneself and to others for one's unacceptable thoughts and behaviors. If this individual were employing rationalization, she would justify or excuse her attraction to her supervisor (eg, "I'm vulnerable right now because of my recent divorce"). (Choice C) Projection involves attributing one's unacceptable thoughts and behaviors to others. If the individual were employing projection, she would ascribe her feelings to someone else, such as to her supervisor (eg, "My supervisor is obviously attracted to me"). Educational objective: In psychoanalytic theory, defense mechanisms are the largely unconscious means by which reality is altered (eg, distorted, ignored) to relieve anxiety or stress.

An Individual Is Distressed by Her Attraction to Her Supervisor