NCLEX · Coping and Defense Mechanisms

A client channels anxious energy into productive activity, such as organizing a community fundraiser after a personal loss. This BEST illustrates which defense mechanism?

Correct answer

Sublimation

  1. A Sublimation
  2. B Rationalization
  3. C Regression
  4. D Repression

Why this is the answer

Sublimation is generally considered a mature, adaptive defense mechanism in which a person channels unacceptable or distressing impulses and energy into socially acceptable, constructive activities — such as directing grief into organizing a beneficial community project. Repression is unconsciously blocking distressing thoughts from awareness; rationalization is justifying behavior with logical-sounding but inaccurate reasons; and regression is reverting to earlier behaviors. Recognizing defense mechanisms and identifying sublimation as a comparatively healthy form of coping is a standard psychosocial concept. (This reflects general concepts; verify against current NCLEX prep materials.)
Source: NCLEX-PN Psychosocial — Defense Mechanisms, Sublimation

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About this topic: Coping and Defense Mechanisms

Coping and defense mechanism questions cover denial, projection, rationalisation, displacement, regression and the rest, recognising them in a scenario, and supporting adaptive coping. This is one of 10 PN: Psychosocial Integrity questions on coping and defense mechanisms, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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