Reaction Formation

Another common defense that we employ on a regular basis is that of reaction formation.  You may not be as familiar with it in name, since it lacks the instant recognition that denial or projection do.  In psychoanalytic terms, reaction formation refers to the process or action of taking the opposite emotional expression of a certain situation.  We all have experienced this when in a state of terror or panic, we have responded with the outward expression of laughter.  Or you may have seen this when a child is joyful in a sad situation.  

This defense mechanism serves to protect us against the intensity of a particular emotion, if it is unconsciously motivated.  Though , people also employ this consciously by acting happy instead of acknowledging how depressed or down they are.  Individuals use reaction formation to put on a happy face to face the world, rather than be true to their emotional state internally.  This disconnects the individual from the emotional impact, and prevents healthy expression of emotions– potentially, and often, leading to them bursting out elsewhere at a later time. 

This defense is seen mostly as a customer service persona, and may not be all that harmful.  It is a product of inauthentic interaction, and can lead to further inauthenticity.  Additionally, reaction formation is a mechanical response, fit for an increasingly disconnected and mechanical world.  Connecting with our emotions in a compassionate, curious, and authentic way is not only healthy– but the only way to integrate a stronger sense of self and empathy– and is a core feature and goal of psychotherapy.