Question Of The Day: Anxiety Disorders

Q. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder may use reaction formation as a defense mechanism to cope with anxiety and stress. What typically occurs in reaction formation?

A. The client assumes an attitude that contradicts an impulse he harbors.
B. The client believes his thoughts can control other people and events.
C. The client persistently thinks and talks about a particular idea or subject.
D. The client uses a specific act to negate a previous act.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person assumes an attitude that contradicts an impulse or a wish that he harbors. The belief that one's thoughts can control other people and events is called "magical thinking." Persistent thoughts and discussion of a particular idea or subject are called "rumination." Use of an act to negate a previous act is called "undoing."