Reaction Formation

Reaction Formation is a process in which two or more chemical substances react with each other to form a new chemical compound. This process occurs due to the interaction of atoms, molecules and ions that form new bonds with each other.

The formation reaction can be either exothermic or endothermic. Exothermic reactions are accompanied by the release of heat, and endothermic reactions are accompanied by the absorption of heat. The formation reaction can also occur both between simple substances and between complex ones.

One example of a formation reaction is the reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, which results in the formation of water. This process is exothermic and occurs at room temperature.

Another example of a formation reaction is the synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen. This process is also exothermic, but occurs at higher temperatures than the reaction of oxygen and hydrogen, around 400 degrees Celsius.

In general, the formation reaction plays an important role in chemical processes occurring in nature and technology. It allows the creation of new chemical compounds that can be used for various purposes, such as the production of energy, materials and medicines.



Reaction Formation: A defense mechanism, the opposite of unconscious thoughts

In psychoanalysis, there are many defense mechanisms that help a person cope with conflicts and unconscious desires. One such mechanism is called reaction formation. This mechanism consists of replacing unacceptable unconscious thoughts and desires with the opposite conscious attitudes and behavior.

An educational response occurs when an individual experiences an internal contradiction between his unconscious desires and social or moral norms. Instead of recognizing and acknowledging his true feelings, a person subconsciously creates a backlash by imagining conscious attitudes and behaviors that are the opposite of his true desires.

An example of an educational reaction would be a situation where a person shows ostentatious love or affection for another person whom he subconsciously hates or is disgusted with. On the surface, it seems that a person is experiencing positive feelings and showing goodwill, but in reality this is just a mask behind which negative emotions are hidden.

The educational reaction can be caused by various factors, including upbringing, social expectations and one's own internal conflicts. For example, a person who grew up in a family where expressions of anger or hatred were prohibited may develop an education response to hide their true negative reactions and conform to the expectations of others.

However, it is important to note that the educational response does not solve the conflict or problem, but only provides psychological protection from unacceptable thoughts and emotions. Unconscious desires and feelings still remain within a person and can manifest themselves in other forms or lead to psychological problems.

In order to better understand the educational response and its impact on mental health, psychoanalysts and psychologists conduct various studies and clinical observations. These studies help expand our understanding of defense mechanisms and build more effective methods for dealing with them.

In conclusion, the educational response is a defense mechanism by which unacceptable unconscious thoughts and desires are replaced by opposing conscious attitudes and behaviors. This mechanism allows a person to hide his true emotions and conform to social expectations. However, the educational response does not resolve the underlying conflicts and can have negative psychological consequences. Further research will help us better understand this defense mechanism and its impact on our mental well-being.



In psychoanalytic theory, Reaction Formation (RF), also known as “integration of opposites,” is a defense mechanism by which a person's unacceptable subconscious ideas are replaced by their opposite. This mechanism provides psychological adaptation and can be useful as a tool for dealing with complexes, for example, one task may require the opposite task.

RF can occur in a variety of situations, such as:

- A person may try to show everyone that he hates his parents, even if they are more successful and educated than him. Thus, he exhibits the RF of his inferiority complex. - People with low self-esteem may have problems achieving success, and they do not immediately realize the reason for failure. However, over time, they will accept such success against their will. This process is called Educational Reaction.

The simplest example of the Educational Backlash is seen in how we are afraid to speak or communicate frankly. People often offer good deals to partners rather than asking questions about customer problems and needs if it might cost money or market position. Although we may have other intentions in our heads. The same applies to data processing, when we hide unflattering facts and shift the emphasis so that they are favorable to the employer.

In principle, educational reactions can manifest themselves in any situation where a person tries to hide his true feelings, emotions or views from others. This can help maintain positive relationships or demonstrate desired behavior to gain and maintain respect in certain areas of life.

However, it should be remembered that the educational response has a powerful effect that can lead to distortion of the truth, interests and goals of other people. Therefore, it is recommended to use it only in cases where it is truly necessary to achieve overall benefit. It is also important to remember that most often no one wants to hear the truth about themselves, especially when it is unpleasant or destructive. Instead, a person seeks to receive support and understanding from others and is therefore ready to open up.



Reaction formation is one of the protective mechanisms of the human psyche. With the help of this mechanism, our thoughts and desires are expressed and replaced by the opposite of them in everyday life. In psychotherapy, this mechanism is often used by psychologists to improve interpersonal relationships.

An example of an educational response is trying to say "I love you" when