A child has deeply hidden feelings of hostility toward a younger sibling. However, the child treats her sibling with apparent love. This is an example of the defense mechanism known as __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person behaves in a way that is opposite to their true feelings or impulses. In this case, the child has hostile feelings towards their younger sibling but behaves with apparent love towards them, which is opposite of their true feelings.

A Child Has Deeply Hidden Feelings of Hostility Toward a Younger