How does projection differ from reaction formation?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Let's examine each option in turn to understand how projection and reaction formation differ.
A. 'Projection displaces an impulse onto a safer target, while reaction formation denies the impulse outright.' This option correctly notes that projection involves attributing unwanted impulses to others; however, it’s not accurate to say reaction formation merely 'denies the impulse outright' without considering that it often involves opposing thoughts or behaviors to mask the impulse. The nuance is that reaction formation converts thoughts into the opposite, not simply denial.
B. 'Projection is a public display of opposite behaviour, whereas reaction formation is private self-accusation.' Projection is typically about attributing internal states to others and can have interpersonal visibility, but portraying it as a 'public display' is not a defining feature. Reaction formation is not primarily about self-accusation; it’s about behaving in a way that counters unacceptable impulses, which can be outwardly visible or covert but is not inherently private self-accusation.
C. 'Projection can be pre-conscious, whereas reaction formation is always unconscious.' This statement introduces a nuance: projection can operate at pre-conscious (preconscious) levels where the individual is not fully aware of the projection, whereas reaction formation is classically described as an unconscious defense mechanism, though some theorists acknowledge varying levels of awareness. This option captures a key distinction in many psychoanalytic discussions and aligns with the idea that projection can be pre-conscious while reaction formation is typically unconscious.
D. 'Projection is less likely to cause interpersonal conflicts, while reaction formation is more likely.' In fact, projection can frequently lead to significant misunderstandings and conflicts, often causing harm in relationships; reaction formation can also cause conflict due to the incongruity between inner impulses and outward behavior. This generalization about relative likelihood is not supported as a universal rule.
E. 'None of the above.' Given the preceding statements, there is at least one option that makes a defensible point about pre-conscious projection and unconscious reaction formation, so claiming none of the above would be incorrect.

PSYC_V 305 991 2025W1 Unit 2 Exam

How does projection differ from reaction formation?

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