re:
"whether a defense mechanism is adaptive depends on the defence and circumstance. The projection is generally not adaptive, whereas sublimation is generally adaptive;"
- whether a defence mechanism is adaptive [Latin adaptare, from aptus ‘fit’] depends on the defence and circumstance. The projection [3. a mental image viewed as reality; 4. the unconscious transfer of one’s own desires or emotions to another person;] is generally not adaptive, whereas sublimation [Latin sublimare ‘raise up’ + verb 1 (in psychoanalytic theory) divert or modify (an instinctual impulse) into a culturally higher or socially more acceptable activity. 2. transform into a purer or idealized form; 3. chemistry another term for sublime] is generally adaptive;
here comes the terminology proper ))) ->
- whether a defense mechanism [1] is adaptive [2] depends on the defence and circumstance [3]. The projection [4] is generally not adaptive, whereas sublimation [5] is generally adaptive;"
now why:
defence mechanisms or defense mechanisms:
I. In Freudian psychoanalytic theory" psychological strategies are brought into play by various entities to cope with reality and to maintain self-image. Healthy persons normally use different defences throughout life. An ego defence mechanism becomes pathological only when its persistent use leads to maladaptive behavior such that the physical and/or mental health of the individual is adversely affected. The purpose of the Ego Defence Mechanisms is to protect the mind/self/ego from anxiety, social sanctions or to provide a refuge from a situation with which one cannot currently cope. They are more accurately referred to as ego defence mechanisms, and can thus be categorized as occurring when the id impulses are in conflict with each other, when the id impulses conflict with super-ego values and beliefs, and when an external threat is posed to the ego. The term "defence mechanism" is often thought to refer to adefinitive singular term for personality traits which arise due to loss or traumatic experiences, but more accurately refers to several types of reactions which were identified during and after daughter Anna Freud's time.
II. A psychological process that protects or isolates a person from the effects of anxiety, internal and external stressors, and perceived or real dangers, usually by reducing, altering, or blocking his or her awareness of them. Defense mechanisms mediate the individual's reactions to emotional and physical hurt, inner conflicts, and stressors of all kinds. Most defense mechanisms are adaptive when first formed but later become maladaptive (e.g., splitting, acting out, projective identification, projection, intellectualization). Others - such as suppression or denial - can be adaptive in certain circumstances and if they are flexibly applied, are not severe, and are safely reversible. Defense mechanisms are measured and evaluated using the Defensive Functioning Scale. (DFS smotret' v slovare ne stal ^))))
I (2). 1. Adaptive:: make suitable for a new use or purpose; Latin adaptare, from aptus ‘fit’ [Adaptive reaction: A reaction toward a source of frustration that is reality-oriented; that is, oriented toward direct removal of the frustrating situation. Adaptive reasoning refers to a problem solving strategy that adapts thinking to address a problem as it changes and evolves. Adaptive reasoning may also refer to the adaption of thought processes problem solving strategies, Conceptual framework, in response and anticipation of the the changing nature of the problem being considered."Adaptive reasoning refers to the capacity to think logically about the relationships among concepts and situations and to justify and ultimately prove the correctness of a mathematical procedure or assertion. Adaptive reasoning also includes reasoning based on pattern, analogy or metaphor"].
3. Circumstantiality: When the train of thought and speech is often derailed by unrelated digressions, based on chaotic associations. The patient finally succeeds to express his or her main idea but only after much effort and wandering. In extreme cases considered to be a communication disorder.
4. Projection:
A. As a specific term, projective identification is introduced by Klein in “Notes on some schizoid mechanisms.” [Projection] helps the ego to overcome anxiety by ridding it of danger and badness. Introjection of the good object is also used by the ego as a defense against anxiety. . . .The processes of splitting off parts of the self and projecting them into objects are thus of vital importance for normal development as well as for abnormal object-relation. The effect of introjection on object relations is equally important. The introjection of the good object, first of all the mother’s breast, is a precondition for normal development . . . It comes to form a focal point in the ego and makes for cohesiveness of the ego. . . . I suggest for these processes the term ‘projective identification’. Klein imagined this function as a defense which contributes to the normal development of the infant, including ego structure and the development of object relations. The introjection of the good breast provides a location where one can hide from persecution, an early step in developing a capacity to self-sooth. Ogden identifies four functions that projective identification may serve. As in the traditional Kleinian model, it serves as a defense. Projective identification serves as a mode of communication. It is a form of object relations, and “a pathway for psychological change.” As a form of object relationship, projective identification is a way of relating with others who are not seen as entirely separate from the individual. Instead, this relating takes place “between the stage of the subjective object and that of true object relatedness”.
B. A defense mechanism to cope with internal or external stressors and emotional conflict by attributing to another person - usually falsely - thoughts, feelings, wishes, impulses, needs, and hopes deemed forbidden or unacceptable by the projecting party
5. Sublimation: 1). A term coined by Frederich Nietzsche which was eventually used to describe the spirit as a reflection of the libido. It has its roots in the Nietzschean and psychoanalytical approach, and is sometimes also referred to as a type of defense mechanism. According to Wade and Tavris, sublimation is when displacement "serves a higher cultural or socially useful purpose, as in the creation of art or inventions. a). Psychoanalytic Theory : In Freud's classic theory, erotic energy is only allowed limited expression due to constraints of human society. Freud considered this defense mechanism the most productive compared to the others that he identified (ie., repression, displacement, denial, reaction formation, intellectualization and projection). Sublimation is the process of transforming libido into "socially useful" achievements, mainly art. Psychoanalysts often refer to sublimation as the only truly successful defense mechanism.
b). Interpersonal Psychoanalysis: Harry Stack Sullivan, the pioneer of interpersonal psychoanalysis, defines sublimation as the unwitting substitution of a partial satisfaction with social approval for the pursuit of a direct satisfaction which would be contrary to one's ideals or to the judgment of social censors and other important people who surround one. The substitution might not be quite what we want, but it is the only way that we can get part of our satisfaction and feel secure, too. Harry Stack Sullivan documents that all sublimatory things are more complicated than the direct satisfaction of the needs to which they apply. They entail no disturbance of consciousness, no stopping to think why they must be done or what the expense connected with direct satisfaction would be. In successful sublimation, Sullivan observes extraordinarily efficient handling of a conflict between the need for a satisfaction and the need for security without perturbation of awareness.
c). Psychology of Religion: In Religion, Sublimation is linked to the mystical experience. This is achieved via meditation techniques. It is widely practiced in all religions by the mystics of the ages. See Tibetan Buddhism, Tantra and other various Hinduist practices, such as those in the Kama Sutra. In Christianity, see the Song of Solomon, a Bible text, the lives of St. Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and his poetry.
d). Examples in Fiction : A dramatization of this method is depicted in an early episode of the American television series The Simpsons. In the episode "Moaning Lisa," Lisa Simpson, in a nihilistic desolate mood, finds solace in playing and singing the Blues. In Psychological Science: Mind, Brain and Behavior, by Michael Gazzaniga and Todd F. Heatherton, a more sinister example is given in which a sadist becomes a surgeon or a dentist. A humorous example of this is presented in the character of Orin Scrivello in the musical and movie Little Shop of Horrors.
2). The conversion and channeling of unacceptable emotions into socially-condoned behavior
