Defense Mechanism: Reaction Formation

Were you ever told, “Oh they are just being mean to you because they probably like you?” This saying is an example of reaction formation.

Quite a few of the defense mechanisms are difficult to notice on your own, as they happen unconsciously. Reaction formation is no different. This is when we, unconsciously, replace an unwanted belief, preference, or trait with its opposite.

For example:

• Somebody is unhappy but outwardly expresses over the top positivity

• Passive-aggressive behaviors and responses are within the realm of reaction formation

• Being an addict but outwardly acting as a champion for sobriety

We lean towards expressing the opposite because something about the original belief, preference, or trait is uncomfortable or makes us anxious. By instead leaning into the opposite, we can suppress the original response so neither we nor others are aware of it.