This time we examine two such defense mechanisms. The first is called reaction formation. This is when we act or say things that are opposite to our real feelings and ideas. For example, a boy may really like a girl but act aloof and disinterested when around her. The parents of a child from an unwanted pregnancy may become over-indulgent on their child. Your friend tells you something that really hurts your feelings but when they ask you about it you claim that it's no big deal. These are all examples of reaction formation.

The second defense mechanism is called displacement. This is when sometime takes their frustrations or anger out on someone who is not the source or cause of the frustration. For example, a husband who is having a difficult time at work may yell at his wife over a minor irritation.

These are only two of over a dozen different defense mechanisms employed to preserve ego integrity. They are devices we all use at one time or another, but taken to extremes, they can illustrate abnormal behavior.

• behaving the opposite of how one feels
• saying things that are opposite to what one believes

There is no audio case study this selection for reaction formation.

• Click here to download or view the excerpts from both Tobias Mindernickel and Counterparts (pdf).
• Answer the following questions. Title these "Tobias Mindernickel Questions" (worth 5 points each):

1. Describe how Tobias Mindernickel dresses when he goes for a walk.
2. Describe Tobias Mindernickel's physical features.
3. Mann writes, "It may sound strange, but there seemed to be missing in him the natural superiority with which the normal, perceptive individual looks out upon the phenomenal world." What does he mean by this?
4. What did Tobias do when one of the children was hurt while they were taunting him? What was the long term effect of this on how the children and the community treated him?
5. Why were people laughing at Tobias when he was walking away after purchasing his dog?
6. How does Tobias feel about Esau? How does he treat Esau when the dog disobeys him?
7. At one point, Tobias says to Esau, "You see, you are my only...my only....." He never finishes the sentence. What was he going to say? What would he say that?
8. How does Tobias meet the criteria for reaction formation in this story?
9. Why do you think Tobias acted as he did to Esau throughout the story?

Our second story involves the defense mechanism of displacement. The typical symptoms of displacement are:

There is no audio case study this selection for displacement.

• Counterparts is already included in the download with Tobias Mindernickel.
• Answer the following questions. Title these "Counterparts Questions" (worth 5 points each):

1. What did the man in the story do to make him "full of smouldering anger and revengefulness?"
2. Where was the man's wife when he got home? Who greeted him when he got home?
3. What did the man do to his little boy? What was the reason for this action?
4. How does this man meet the criteria for displacement?

When you've finished paste your work into an e-mail titled "Week 7 Homework." Then e-mail your work to me at aeaptl@gmail.com.