A mother who has deep-seated hostility toward her only child but who shows overprotection and hyper-concern for the physical well being of her child illustrates which Freudian defense mechanism?
A)identification
B)displacement
C)projection
D)reaction formation
E)sublimation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mother's behaviors of showing overprotection and hyper-concern for her child's physical well-being are consistent with the defense mechanism of reaction formation, which involves expressing the opposite of one's true feelings in order to avoid acknowledging them. The deep-seated hostility the mother harbors toward her child is being repressed and transformed into a hyper-vigilance for her child's safety.

A Mother Who Has Deep-Seated Hostility Toward Her Only Child