A man who is secretly insecure about his intelligence constantly brags about how smart he is. What defense mechanism is he using? Denial Reaction Formation Projection Rationalization

## Step 1<br />The problem presents a scenario where a man is secretly insecure about his intelligence but constantly brags about how smart he is. This behavior is indicative of a psychological defense mechanism.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies that the mind uses to protect itself from uncomfortable feelings or thoughts. In this case, the man is using the defense mechanism of "Reaction Formation".<br /><br />## Step 3<br />"Reaction Formation" is a defense mechanism where a person behaves in a way that is opposite to their true feelings. In this case, the man is acting in a way that is opposite to his true feelings of insecurity about his intelligence.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The other options, "Denial", "Projection", and "Rationalization", do not fit the scenario as accurately as "Reaction Formation". "Denial" involves refusing to accept reality or facts, "Projection" involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others, and "Rationalization" involves explaining an unacceptable behavior or feeling in a rational or logical manner.