Association of Social Work Boards Masters (ASWB MSW) Practice Exam

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What defense mechanism is described by adopting affects, ideas, attitudes, or behaviors opposite of one's true feelings?

Repression
Reaction Formation
Regression
Rationalization

The correct answer is: Reaction Formation

This is correct because reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which an individual behaves in a manner that is opposite to their true feelings. This can occur when a person has feelings or thoughts that are considered socially unacceptable or anxiety-provoking, so they adopt the opposite affects, ideas, attitudes, or behaviors to avoid facing those feelings. The other options are incorrect because repression is the unconscious blocking of thoughts or memories, regression is reverting back to an earlier stage of development in response to stress, and rationalization is justifying one's actions or feelings in a way that makes them seem reasonable. These defense mechanisms do not involve adopting opposite behaviors or attitudes.