What defense mechanism is the patient most likely using when expressing excessive admiration for a partner while feeling envy?

The scenario describes a situation in which a patient expresses excessive admiration for a partner while actually feeling envy towards them. This behavior aligns with reaction formation, a defense mechanism in which an individual transforms an uncomfortable or unwanted feeling into its opposite. In this case, rather than openly acknowledging feelings of envy—an emotion that might lead to conflict or discomfort—the patient compensates by excessively admiring the partner.

Reaction formation occurs when a person feels emotions that are socially unacceptable or involve conflict, so they express behaviors that are contrary to those feelings. By expressing admiration rather than envy, the patient attempts to suppress the negative emotion and project a more socially acceptable attitude. This mechanism helps the individual manage feelings of jealousy or insecurity without having to confront them directly.