Which of the following can be an example of Reaction Formation in daily life?

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual subconsciously transforms an undesirable feeling or impulse into its opposite. This is often done to conceal the original feelings that may be socially unacceptable or uncomfortable.

In the context of the provided example, when a person dislikes a colleague but acts overly friendly towards them, this behavior exemplifies reaction formation. The individual is not only suppressing their true feelings of dislike but is also exhibiting behavior that is the opposite of their genuine feelings—acting as if they are fond of the colleague. This outward friendliness serves as a mask for their actual negative sentiments, reflecting an internal conflict where the person feels compelled to display positive emotions even though they are experiencing the opposite internally.

The other options represent different psychological phenomena or defense mechanisms but do not specifically illustrate reaction formation. For instance, anxiety often leads a person to try to maintain an appearance of calm, which aligns more with the concepts of repression or denial rather than a stark opposition to their feelings. Admitting fears openly does not involve transforming a negative feeling into a positive one; instead, it involves acknowledging those feelings. Lastly, engaging in self-harm as a coping mechanism does not fit the definition of reaction formation, as it does not involve expressing the opposite emotion but is more about directly dealing