Little Roxie really hates her baby brother, but she copes by being extraordinarily loving and kind to him. This is an example of the defense mechanism called rationalization.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This example involves the defense mechanism of reaction formation, in which the child behaves in a way opposite to what their feelings would suggest. Rationalization involves making up reasonable, but false, explanations or excuses for one's actions or feelings.

Little Roxie Really Hates Her Baby Brother, but She Copes