Arturo is unconsciously attracted to Tommy but outwardly voices an extreme hatred of gay people. Which defense mechanism is Arturo exhibiting, according to psychoanalytic theory?

• A. Reaction formation
• B. Repression
• C. Compensation
• D. Displacement

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of defense mechanisms in psychoanalytic theory, which are unconscious psychological strategies used to cope with reality and maintain self-image.
2. Identify the key characteristics of reaction formation, which involves converting unwanted or dangerous thoughts, feelings, or impulses into their opposites.
3. Analyze Arturo's behavior: he is unconsciously attracted to Tommy but expresses extreme hatred towards gay people, indicating a transformation of his true feelings into their opposite.
4. Compare this behavior with other defense mechanisms: repression involves pushing distressing thoughts into the unconscious, compensation involves overachieving in one area to make up for failures in another, and displacement involves shifting emotions from a dangerous target to a safer one.
5. Conclude that Arturo's behavior aligns with reaction formation, as he is expressing the opposite of his unconscious attraction to cope with his feelings.