Association of Social Work Boards Masters (ASWB MSW) Practice Exam

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person behaves in a way that is the opposite of their own desires or impulses. This is because the individual wants to hide or suppress their true feelings or urges and may feel uncomfortable acknowledging them. Option B is incorrect because it refers to a defense mechanism called repression, which involves pushing traumatic events or memories into the unconscious mind. Option C is incorrect because it refers to emotional expression, which may or may not be filtered depending on the individual and the situation. Option D is incorrect because it refers to the defense mechanism called compensation, which involves overemphasizing one's strengths or achievements to make up for perceived weaknesses.