The defense mechanism that involves acting in opposition to one's true feelings is known as reaction formation . This strategy helps individuals avoid the discomfort of facing their real desires. Other mechanisms include repression and rationalization, which serve similar protective roles in managing internal conflict. ;
The defense mechanism known as reaction formation involves behaving in ways that contradict one's true feelings to avoid confronting discomforting emotions. For instance, one might show excessive kindness towards someone they actually dislike. This mechanism serves as a protective tool against anxiety related to one's inner conflicts.
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