Mature Defenses
September 19th, 2006 by Mike
Humor
Finding comic and/or ironic elements in difficult situations to reduce unpleasant affect and personal discomfort. This mechanism also allows some distance and objectivity from events so that an individual can reflect on what is happening.
Suppression
Consciously deciding not to attend to a particular feeling, state, or impulse. This defense differs from repression and denial in that it is conscious rather than unconscious.
Asceticism
Attempting to eliminate pleasurable aspects of experience because of internal conflicts produced by that pleasure. This mechanism can be in the service of transcendent or spiritual goals, as in celibacy.
Altruism
Committing oneself to the needs of others over and above one’s own needs. Altruistic behavior can be used in the service of narcissistic problems but can also be the source of great achievements and constructive contributions to society.
Anticipation
Delaying of immediate gratification by planning and thinking about future achievements and accomplishments.
Sublimation
Transforming socially objectionable or internally unacceptable aims into socially acceptable ones.