Which scenario illustrates the use of Reaction Formation in childhood?

The correct choice highlights the concept of Reaction Formation, which is a psychological defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously replaces an unacceptable or anxiety-provoking feeling or impulse with its opposite. In this scenario, the child experiences jealousy towards a sibling but instead of expressing that jealousy or hostility, they outwardly demonstrate affection by giving gifts. This behavior serves as a protective mechanism to hide the child's underlying negative emotions, thus exemplifying Reaction Formation.

This choice effectively illustrates how children may navigate complex emotional experiences by transforming their feelings into opposite actions, reflecting an inability to express those emotions openly. Working through feelings of jealousy in this manner can be common in young children, who might not yet have developed the emotional vocabulary or self-awareness to manage such feelings appropriately.

The other scenarios do not correctly represent Reaction Formation as they lack this specific inversion of feelings. The teenager suppressing their love for a music genre in response to peer pressure indicates an external influence on behavior but does not involve the substitution of opposite feelings. The toddler's tantrum reflects a direct expression of frustration typical of early childhood emotional development rather than a defense mechanism. Lastly, the school-age child withdrawing from friends due to shyness represents avoidance and does not illustrate the transformation of feelings into opposite actions.