Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

Which defense mechanism involves transforming unwanted behaviors into acceptable ones?

1. Projection

2. Rationalization

3. Sublimation

4. Suppression

The correct answer is: Sublimation

Sublimation is a defense mechanism that involves the transformation of unacceptable or unwanted impulses into socially acceptable behaviors. This process allows an individual to channel their negative emotions or impulses, such as aggression or sexual desires, into constructive activities or behaviors, which are seen positively by society. For instance, someone with aggressive tendencies might take up a sport like boxing or martial arts as a way to express that energy in a productive manner. This mechanism not only helps the individual manage their instincts but also contributes positively to their social environment. By redirecting negative impulses into acceptable actions, sublimation serves as a healthy coping strategy that can foster personal development and social integration. Other mechanisms listed, such as projection, rationalization, and suppression, operate differently. Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings to someone else, rationalization offers logical explanations for behaviors that may not have solid reasoning, and suppression involves consciously pushing unwanted thoughts or feelings out of awareness. These do not facilitate the positive transformation of behaviors in the same constructive way that sublimation does.