Turned feelings into the exact opposite is an example of which concept?

The concept of turning feelings into the exact opposite is best represented by reaction formation. This defense mechanism involves an individual expressing the opposite of what they genuinely feel, often as a means to cope with anxiety or distress surrounding those true feelings. For example, if a person harbors resentment or anger towards someone but feels that such emotions are unacceptable, they might instead behave in an overly friendly or affectionate manner towards that person. This behavior is a conscious or unconscious way to mask or counteract the original negative feelings.

Rationalization, on the other hand, involves justifying or explaining away behaviors and feelings in a way that makes them appear acceptable. Denial refers to refusing to accept reality or facts, while displacement involves redirecting emotions from their original source to a safer target. All these concepts serve as coping mechanisms but differ substantially from reaction formation, which specifically involves the transformation of feelings into their opposites.