Which defense mechanism involves turning a feeling into its opposite?

The defense mechanism that involves turning a feeling into its opposite is known as reaction formation. This psychological process occurs when an individual experiences an unwanted or socially unacceptable feeling and instead expresses its opposite. For example, someone who feels intense anger towards a person may instead act overly friendly and affectionate towards them, demonstrating behaviors that contradict their true feelings.

Reaction formation serves as a coping strategy that allows individuals to manage their emotions by masking or counteracting their genuine responses. This can help maintain social harmony or avoid conflict by displaying behaviors that are more socially acceptable. It highlights how some emotions may be difficult to accept or express directly, leading individuals to adopt behaviors that reflect a more palatable alternative. Understanding this mechanism is valuable in recognizing how emotions can be transformed and displayed in ways that may not always align with a person’s true feelings.