reaction formation

formation

 [for-ma´shun]

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.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

re·ac·tion for·ma·tion

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.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

reaction formation

n.

A psychological defense mechanism by which a repressed impulse is expressed in an opposite or contrasting behavior.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

reaction formation

Psychiatry An unconscious defense mechanism in which a person adopts affects, ideas, attitudes, and behaviors opposite of conscious or unconscious impulses

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012