A 45-Year-Old Woman Brings Her Stepson to the Office for a Well-Child

A 45-year-old woman brings her stepson to the office for a well-child visit.  She never wanted children due to her unhappy childhood and wishes her marriage did not include being a stepmother to her husband's 5-year-old son.  In the waiting room, the woman seems excessively concerned when the boy accidentally trips and is clearly uninjured.  During the visit, she tells the physician that she adores the child and describes her elaborate preparations for his birthday party.  Which of the following defense mechanisms best explains this woman's behavior?

A) Displacement
B) Projection
C) Rationalization
D) Reaction formation
E) Splitting
F) Suppression

Correct Answer:

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