The overprotective mother who cannot allow into consciousness any hostility toward her children is using the defense mechanism of
A) reaction formation.
B) sublimation.
C) denial.
D) rationalization.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously replaces an unacceptable feeling or impulse with its opposite. In this case, the overprotective mother may feel hostility toward her children (which is a normal and natural emotion), but cannot allow it into her consciousness because it conflicts with her idealized image of motherhood. Therefore, she unconsciously replaces those feelings with exaggerated expressions of love and protection, which are the opposite of hostility.

The Overprotective Mother Who Cannot Allow into Consciousness Any Hostility