reaction formation
Medical term Psychology
A defense mechanism of acting the opposite of one's true feelings.
Sources
- Psychology 2e, Chapter 11 Key Terms · OpenStax
Related terms
- defense mechanismAn unconscious thought or behavior that reduces anxiety in the short term.
- panic attackA sudden episode of intense fear with physical symptoms such as chest pain, sweating, trembling and a racing…
- phobiaAn excessive, irrational fear of a specific object or situation.
- projectionA defense mechanism of attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or impulses to someone else.
- rationalizationA defense mechanism of making excuses to justify behavior.
- regressionA defense mechanism of returning to more childlike behavior under stress.
- repressionA defense mechanism that keeps painful thoughts and memories out of awareness.
- resilienceThe ability to adapt and recover after difficult experiences.
- schizophreniaA severe mental illness with disturbed thinking, perception and behavior.