Another coping strategy that is a little difficult to see or understand in others is REACTION FORMATION. Reaction formation is behaving in a manner opposite to the way you are feeling. For example someone feels guilty about drinking. To hide their feelings they brag to their friends about how much they drank. Endearingly, we also see this in little kids where the boys are rough with and verbalize that they think little girls are “yuk”… when in fact there is an attraction.

Reaction Formation is when someone acts strongly in one direction to distract from and cover up something unwanted in the other direction. So in the work force someone despises their boss, acts really nice to him/ her to cover it up. It’s not only acting extremely nice, but going overboard and can even get distracted by the actions. It becomes obsessive to the point that their work is neglected. They have a temporary relief from the anger he/she has towards his/her boss, but the suppressed feelings build up and conflicts start to brew.

One is better to acknowledge their true feelings and work out the conflict they have with their boss, or any other relationship. Often this is helpful with the assistance of a mediator or therapist (depending on the extent of the situation).

… more coping strategies to come.