Ch. 12 - Personality: Theory, Research, and Assessment
John and Jenny have been dating for a while but their relationship is suffering. Jenny typically cleans their apartment twice a day and has asked John to help clean but John responded by refusing to say a word. During the ensuing argument, John accused Jenny of being too controlling and too obsessed with cleaning. Jenny on the other hand accused John of acting like a child every time they have a fight.
-After the fight Jenny still feels extremely angry but outwardly seems very calm and even offers to do John's chores for him.Which defense mechanism is she likely using

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jenny is likely using the defense mechanism of reaction formation, where she is expressing the opposite of her true feelings. She is angry with John but is outwardly behaving calmly and even offering to do his chores, which is the opposite of her true feelings. Repression involves pushing unwanted thoughts or memories out of one's consciousness. Denial involves refusing to acknowledge reality. Sublimation involves channeling potentially negative emotions into positive outlets.