Reaction Formation

A defense mechanism where an individual acts in a manner opposite from his or her unconscious beliefs. A homosexual who joined a gay hate group would be an example of reaction formation. Freud believed that defense mechanisms helped us cope with the world around us by letting us repress our deepest unconscious fears.

Another example is someone who is harboring deep resentment toward a colleague might act overly friendly and complimentary toward them. The main aim is to disguise their real feelings.