Preliminary evidence suggests that those who unconsciously identify as homosexual-but who consciously identify as straight-report more negative attitudes toward gays than most people do.This best illustrates the defense mechanism known as

A) projection.
B) regression.
C) displacement.
D) reaction formation.

This scenario describes the defense mechanism of reaction formation, which involves people consciously expressing attitudes, behaviors, or impulses that are opposite or contrary to their unconscious impulses or desires. In this case, individuals who unconsciously identify as homosexual but consciously identify as straight may feel threatened by the implications of their unconscious identity and therefore overcompensate by expressing negative attitudes toward gays.