Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which people express the opposite of their true feelings, sometimes to an exaggerated extent. For instance, a man who feels insecure about his masculinity ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about relationships, personality, and everyday psychology. Many people come to therapy with complaints about their ...

Defense mechanisms are primarily unconscious responses that allow people to protect themselves from anxious thoughts, strong feelings or emotions, unwanted impulses, or painful memories. They are ...

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which people express the opposite of their true feelings, sometimes to an exaggerated extent. For instance, a man who feels insecure about his masculinity ...