A man who has numerous reasons to hate his mother instead lavishes her with unrealistic amounts of attention and love. He is probably exhibiting the defense mechanism of:

Correct answer: D. reaction formation

  • A. regression
  • B. identification
  • C. projection
  • D. reaction formation

Explanation

Reaction formation occurs when a person expresses the opposite of an unacceptable underlying impulse. Excessive affection toward a mother whom he actually hates is therefore a reversal of hostility into exaggerated love.

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