Franklin is homophobic and often bashes gay people as an attempt to conceal his own sexual interest in men. Franklin is most likely engaging in the defense mechanism of ____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In reaction formation, a person unconsciously switches unacceptable impulses into their opposites as a way to deal with anxiety or internal conflict. In this case, Franklin's hatred of gay people is the opposite of his true desire for men, which he is likely trying to repress or deny. Therefore, Franklin is engaging in the defense mechanism of reaction formation.

Franklin Is Homophobic and Often Bashes Gay People as an Attempt