A psychiatric patient develops 'sublimation' as a coping mechanism after recovering from a serious illness. Which scenario best illustrates sublimation?
- A A person who has aggressive impulses becomes a surgeon who performs precise, controlled operations ✓
- B A person who fears death avoids thinking about it
- C A person with anger toward their boss develops back pain before Monday mornings
- D A person attributes their own jealousy to their partner
Explanation
Sublimation is the most mature and adaptive defence mechanism — it channels unacceptable impulses (aggression, sexuality, etc.) into socially acceptable, constructive activities. A surgeon channeling aggressive impulses into precise surgical work is the classic example. Sublimation preserves drive energy in a transformed, socially valued form. Avoiding thoughts of death is suppression/denial. Back pain before work is somatization. Attributing one's jealousy to a partner is projection. Sublimation is classified as a mature defence alongside humor, altruism, asceticism, and anticipation.
Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
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