Ariel, who secretly disliked the new girl, sat down beside the girl in class, complimented her outfit, and was friendlier to her than any of the other students. This defense mechanism is called __________.

Reaction formation occurs when someone acts in a way that is opposite to their unacceptable or uncomfortable feelings. Ariel secretly dislikes the new girl but responds by complimenting her and being especially friendly. Therefore, the defense mechanism is reaction formation.

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