Which defense mechanism is considered mature and involves channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities?

Which defense mechanism is considered mature and involves channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities?

• A. Sublimation
• B. Denial
• C. Repression
• D. Projection

Answer: (A)

Sublimation is a mature defense mechanism in which unacceptable impulses are redirected into constructive, socially acceptable activities. This channeling reduces internal conflict and often produces something beneficial for the person or others—think turning aggressive energy into competitive sports, intense work, or creative pursuits. That adaptive redirection is what sets sublimation apart as mature. Denial involves refusing to accept reality, repression hides impulses from awareness, and projection attributes one’s own impulses to others. None of these transform the impulse into a constructive outlet, which is why sublimation best fits the description.

Sublimation is a mature defense mechanism in which unacceptable impulses are redirected into constructive, socially acceptable activities. This channeling reduces internal conflict and often produces something beneficial for the person or others—think turning aggressive energy into competitive sports, intense work, or creative pursuits. That adaptive redirection is what sets sublimation apart as mature.

Denial involves refusing to accept reality, repression hides impulses from awareness, and projection attributes one’s own impulses to others. None of these transform the impulse into a constructive outlet, which is why sublimation best fits the description.