Eila is a 16-year-old girl. Her mum just got remarried to Brett, a strikingly handsome and very kind man. Recently, Eila has begun to taunt Brett about his physique and even tells her mum that she can't stand him. What defence mechanism is she exhibiting?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eila is exhibiting the defence mechanism of reaction-formation, which is when a person expresses an emotion or behaviour that is the opposite of what they truly feel. In this case, Eila may feel uncomfortable or threatened by Brett's presence in her life, but is expressing this discomfort through taunting and negative comments towards him, which are the opposite of kindness and admiration.

Eila Is a 16-Year-Old Girl