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Related to reaction formation: Defense mechanisms
1. the process of giving shape or form; the creation of an entity, or of a structure of definite shape.
2. a structure of definite shape.
chiasma formation the process by which a chiasma is formed; it is the cytologic basis of genetic recombination, or crossing over.
compromise formation in psychoanalysis a substituted idea or act representing and permitting partial expression of a repressed conflict.
concept formation the ability to organize a variety of information to form thoughts and ideas, a cognitive performance component in occupational therapy.
reaction formation a defense mechanism in which a person adopts conscious attitudes, interests, or feelings that are the opposites of unconscious feelings, impulses, or wishes. For example, a person may use revulsion or repugnance to defend against an unconscious desire or attraction.
in psychoanalysis, a postulated defense mechanism in which attitudes and behaviors that are adopted are the opposites of that which the patient would ordinarily be expected to express and actually feel at an unconscious level.
A psychological defense mechanism by which a repressed impulse is expressed in an opposite or contrasting behavior.
an unconscious defense mechanism in which a person expresses toward another person or situation feelings, attitudes, or behaviors that are the opposite of what would normally be expected. It begins in early childhood and proceeds through life.
reaction formationPsychiatry An unconscious defense mechanism in which a person adopts affects, ideas, attitudes, and behaviors opposite of conscious or unconscious impulses
re·ac·tion for·ma·tion(rē-ak'shŭn fōr-mā'shŭn)
psychoanalysis A postulated defense mechanism in which attitudes and behaviors that are adopted are the opposites of that which the person would ordinarily be expected to express and actually feel at an unconscious level.