Reaction Formation
Reaction formation is when you adopt beliefs, attitudes, and feelings contrary to what you really believe. It is when a person wishes to cover up something unacceptable by adopting the opposite stance. It could also be used to avoid social judgment and the fear of being criticized. (11)
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Examples
1. A person who is angry with a colleague actually ends up being particularly courteous and friendly towards them.
2. A man who is gay has a number of conspicuous heterosexual affairs and openly criticizes gays. (11) |