Reaction Formation
Reaction Formation is an Awareness Reduction Mechanisms] that the Bodily Ego uses to avoid uncomfortable confrontation with reality.
Other Awareness Reduction Mechanisms
Awareness Reduction Mechanisms > Avoidance, Denial, Displacement, Dissociation, Distortion, Distraction, Diversion, Gaslighting, Intellectualization, Internalization, Projection, Rationalization, Reaction Formation, Regression, Repression, Sublimation
Related Terms
Awareness Reduction Mechanisms > Ego Threat, Unwanted Self
Notes
The classic example of reaction formation is the abusive and toxic family that spends all its time cleaning, shining, primping, and performing in order to make their house, yard, and life look perfect so they can appear like a healthy, functional family. A family such as this one may be ignorant, abusive, controlling, and violent, yet the family tries to distort the views of others by acting in a way exactly opposite of reality. A perfectly clean house, a perfectly manicured yard, perfectly dressed children, and perfect smiles all help cover the toxic reality beneath. The presentation and performances all distort reality and help to reinforce repression by reinforcing the family’s own self-delusions, and by preventing challenge from the outside world. Outsiders who see the “perfect” family are unlikely to think untoward about the family and unlikely to challenge the family’s repression.
Another example of reaction formation is the gay priest who has been made to feel intense guilt and shame over their homosexuality, and thus becomes virulently homophobic just to make sure nobody ever thinks he is gay. This could also be the bad parent who becomes the local Girl Scout troupe leader just to distract from her own abuse by building the image for herself and for others that she is good with kids.
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