Health psychology/Defence mechanisms · Mature

Sublimation

What it means

Channelling an unacceptable impulse into a socially acceptable, often constructive, outlet. The drive is still expressed — just acceptably.

Worked example

A man with strong aggressive impulses becomes a champion boxer or a surgeon.

In the exam

A man troubled by intense aggressive urges takes up competitive boxing and channels his drive into the sport.

What settles it

Sublimation redirects the impulse into a constructive outlet (the drive is still discharged). Reaction formation converts it into its exact opposite; sublimation does not reverse it.

Classically confused with

Reaction formation

Source: AMBOSS; Vaillant hierarchy