Which defense mechanism involves turning unacceptable feelings into their opposites?

The identified defense mechanism involves transforming feelings that are considered unacceptable into their direct opposites. This process allows individuals to cope with emotions that might cause them anxiety or discomfort. For example, a person who feels insecure about their sexual orientation might outwardly express strong feelings of homophobia. This reaction serves to mask their true feelings by converting them into a socially acceptable stance.

This mechanism occurs unconsciously, meaning that individuals may not be aware that they are behaving in this manner. It provides a way for individuals to deal with internal conflicts by adopting a stance that aligns with societal norms or expectations, ultimately safeguarding their self-image and emotional wellbeing.

In contrast, other options represent different psychological processes. Denial involves rejecting the reality of a distressing situation, displacement refers to redirecting emotions from a threatening target to a safer one, and projection entails attributing one's unacceptable feelings or thoughts onto another person. Each of these mechanisms functions differently and does not encapsulate the essence of turning feelings into their opposites, which is the hallmark of reaction formation.