Which of the following defence mechanisms is classified as a 'mature' defence according to George Vaillant's hierarchy?

• A Splitting
• B Intellectualisation
• C Altruism ✓
• D Displacement

Explanation

George Vaillant classified defence mechanisms into a hierarchy: psychotic (e.g., denial, distortion), immature (e.g., projection, acting out, splitting), neurotic (e.g., intellectualisation, reaction formation, displacement, repression), and mature (e.g., altruism, humour, sublimation, suppression, anticipation). Altruism — serving others to vicariously satisfy one's own needs — is a mature defence. Splitting (seeing others as all-good or all-bad) is immature/borderline-level. Intellectualisation is neurotic. Displacement (redirecting emotions to a safer target) is also neurotic. Mature defences are associated with healthy psychological functioning and successful adaptation.

Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.

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