A 19-year-old man in a 3-month relationship with a woman experiences frequent sexual fantasies about male coworkers. He lives in a suburban town and has never knowingly been in contact with anyone who is not heterosexual. Two days ago, he joined a local group seeking to criminalize homosexual activity. Together with other members, he verbally and physically assaulted a same-sex couple on their way home from dinner. Which of the following psychological defense mechanisms is he demonstrating?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Reaction formation is a defense mechanism that involves replacing unacceptable feelings and impulses with their extreme opposites.

A 19-Year-Old Man in a 3-Month Relationship with a Woman