Though 10 years out of high school, Simon is still scarred and bothered by the bullying he experienced at the hand of Jeffrey. If the defense mechanism of reaction formation were being utilized, which of the following would Simon say to Jeffrey when he unexpectedly saw Jeffrey at the local grocery store?
A)"After all of these years, I finally get a chance to tell you what an arrogant jerk you are, Jeffrey!"
B)"Jeffrey, why would you want to make someone's life so miserable?"
C)"Hey there, Jeffrey. Good to see you. How are you these days?"
D)"Pardon me, but can you move so I can reach the milk?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reaction formation is doing the opposite of what you really want to do. Simon really wanted to express his displeasure to Jeffrey and tell him off, but instead he greeted him.

Though 10 Years Out of High School, Simon Is Still