The Role Of Reaction Formation In Shaping Beliefs And Emotional Responses

Conflict can stir up emotional distress. According to psychoanalytic theory, one of the ways individuals may unconsciously try to deal with this distress is through a defense mechanism known as “reaction formation.” 

Understanding reaction formation can help you understand why you may behave in specific ways and provide strategies for managing potentially overwhelming emotions or beliefs. It can be helpful to understand its impact on personal beliefs and emotions and consider a few strategies for making healthy changes and better understanding your behavior.

What is reaction formation? 

Driven by the desire to protect oneself from uncomfortable feelings, reaction formation occurs when initial impulses deemed unacceptable or threatening are denied and replaced with their opposite. People may use this defense mechanism to deal with shame, guilt, fear, resentment, and other challenging emotions. When engaging in reaction formation, individuals may actively express emotions and opinions opposite to their true beliefs or desires to manage their discomfort. 

The history and psychological basis of reaction formation

Sigmund Freud, often hailed as the father of psychoanalysis, introduced the concept of defense mechanisms in the 19th century. His daughter, Anna Freud, expanded on this concept in the 20th century. While Anna Freud initially detailed ten central defense mechanisms, later psychoanalysts have added to these. Reaction formation is one of these defense mechanisms. 

According to psychoanalytic theory, reaction formation occurs when the mind unconsciously converts unwanted or dangerous thoughts into their opposites. For example, a person profoundly fearing failure may express an overly confident attitude to avoid confronting their own fear.

Reaction formation involves more than ignoring or denying one's true feelings. It involves actively displaying emotions or beliefs that are the opposite of what a person feels or believes, ultimately creating behaviors that are not in line with one’s beliefs. 

Reaction formation may be best understood by examining internal conflicts and anxiety. When faced with thoughts or feelings that are socially unacceptable or internally distressing, the unconscious mind intervenes by pushing the individual to act contrary to these unwanted thoughts. 

While defense mechanisms like reaction formation may momentarily relieve distress, they may not always help create positive change. In some instances, reaction formation can be detrimental to psychological well-being and lead to further anxiety and distress. 

The impact of reaction formation

There are various ways reaction formation can impact parts of a person’s life, often affecting beliefs, emotional responses, and relationships with others. 

Beliefs and emotional responses

Reaction formation can lead to adopting a particular belief opposite to one's true inclinations. For instance, someone with negative attitudes towards a particular group might outwardly display exaggerated acceptance or admiration. These outward displays can reinforce opposing beliefs, making them part of the person's identity.

When beliefs and actions are not aligned, it can lead to further emotional distress. This distress may be caused by guilt or shame associated with recognizing that one's behavior does not reflect how one truly thinks or feels. Individuals may become conflicted and further entrenched in their behavioral patterns as a means to cope with these uncomfortable emotions. 

Reaction formation can shape beliefs, values, and behaviors in ways that conflict with a person’s true identity. Ultimately, this conflict can lead to negative feelings like confusion, guilt, anxiety, or shame.

Relationships with others

When reaction formation becomes entrenched, it can also affect social relationships and interpersonal functioning in an individual’s everyday life. People who engage in these types of defense mechanisms may find it challenging to form meaningful connections with others or maintain healthy and honest relationships.

Reaction formation can cause strains with partners and loved ones by creating barriers to authentic connection and affecting intimacy and trust. For example, a common form of reaction formation is insulting or criticizing someone you have a crush on. Or, if someone is vocal about a certain belief they hold, even though deep down they believe the opposite, they may end up in a romantic relationship with someone who truly holds that outward belief. When their true belief eventually surfaces, the incompatibility may cause conflict or discontent. 

In a practical context, cultural norms often play a role in determining which ideas or emotions are deemed acceptable, contributing to reaction formation. For instance, different cultures and communities can have profound ideas about norms and expectations around gender roles and sexual orientation, which can impact individuals. For example, if a person in the LGBTQ+ community receives strong messages of homophobia or transphobia, guilt and shame could manifest through reaction formation as a means of aligning themselves with the cultural norm.

Strategies to recognize and manage reaction formation

Reaction formation does not have to define a person's life. There are ways to address this defense mechanism and build healthier emotional habits.

Practice mindfulness and self-reflection

Practicing mindfulness and engaging in self-reflection can be helpful steps in recognizing reaction formation. Techniques like journaling, meditation, and self-questioning can help individuals explore their true emotions and beliefs. Skills like positive self-talk, problem-solving strategies, and relaxation techniques can also reduce the need for a person to engage in reaction formation to cope with stress. 

Express emotions in a loving environment

In addition to self-reflection, practicing expressing authentic emotions in a safe and non-judgmental environment can be vital. Developing emotional intelligence and learning healthy ways of emotional expression can help individuals manage reaction formation, and having supportive relationships with friends or family members who can offer an honest reflection of our feelings can be incredibly beneficial. 

Seek additional help in therapy

In some cases, professional help may be beneficial to manage reaction formation, especially if it's affecting mental health. Therapy can be valuable for exploring emotions and developing healthier coping mechanisms. A mental health professional can provide a more objective perspective, helping individuals gain insight into their reactions and behaviors.

Since reaction formation can occur to conceal an impulse that is seen as unacceptable, discussing these impulses can seem vulnerable and uncomfortable. For some people, the thought of sharing these thoughts with a stranger in person may be overwhelming, and online therapy could be less intimidating. With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you can meet with a licensed therapist remotely from the comfort of your home. 

One type of therapy that may be useful for individuals looking to examine their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves working with a therapist to identify and adjust unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Research shows that CBT delivered online can be as effective as face-to-face CBT for a range of concerns, including anxiety disorders.