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What Is Reaction Formation?
One of those 10 defense mechanisms was reaction formation.
While this may protect the individual’s self-esteem at the moment, this can become problematic over time.
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It suppresses one’s authentic self, which harms one’s well-being.
Unfortunately, reaction formation can be especially challenging to recognize in everyday life.
More recent studies have continued to provide evidence for reaction formation.
This can be a challenging and drawn-out process.
Bailey R, Pico J. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
Freud, A.The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense.
New York, NY: Routledge; 1936/2018.
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