The finding that homophobic men exhibit more sexual excitement to homosexual activity than do men who are not homophobic BEST illustrates the defense mechanism of:

Question

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Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person expresses an intense feeling that is opposite to what they truly feel. Homophobic men may have repressed homosexual desires, leading them to express their feelings through a strong aversion to homosexuality. Therefore, their reaction formation may cause them to exhibit more sexual excitement to homosexual activity than men who are not homophobic. Projection is the attribution of one's own undesired feelings, thoughts or behaviours onto others, and repression is a defense mechanism in which a person suppresses their unconscious desires or urges. Identification involves adopting characteristics or traits of another person or group to increase one's self-esteem or status. None of these other defense mechanisms fit the scenario presented in the question.

The Finding That Homophobic Men Exhibit More Sexual Excitement to Homosexual