Channelling of a strong and socially unacceptable drive or urge into a form that is acceptable to society is called as

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Sublimation is defined as the gratification of an impulse where the goal is retained, but the aim is changed from a socially objectionable one to a socially valued one.
It is considered a mature and healthy defense mechanism because it allows instinctual energy to be channeled constructively rather than being blocked or diverted.
This process involves acknowledging feelings, modifying them, and directing them toward a significant and acceptable goal, leading to modest instinctual satisfaction.
A classic example is channeling aggressive impulses into pleasurable and competitive activities like sports.

Option A: Replacement is not a formally recognized defense mechanism in psychoanalytic theory. The term that is similar is 'Displacement,' which involves shifting an impulse to a different, less threatening target, not transforming it into a socially acceptable form.
Option C: Regression involves reverting to an earlier, more childlike stage of development to cope with stress. It is a retreat to immature behavior, not a transformation of an impulse into a productive activity.
Option D: Identification is the process of adopting the characteristics of another person or group to enhance one's self-esteem. It is about modeling behavior, not channeling an internal drive.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Defense Mechanisms in Psychiatry as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently encounter patients using various defense mechanisms. Recognizing these helps in understanding patient behavior and underlying anxieties.
Identifying mature defenses like sublimation can be a sign of psychological resilience and coping ability in a patient.
Understanding defense mechanisms allows the nurse to communicate more therapeutically, avoiding direct confrontation of the defense, which could increase the patient's anxiety.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully to identify the key concept. The question asks for the name of a specific process: turning an 'unacceptable drive' into an 'acceptable form'.
This is a recall-based question that requires knowledge of psychiatric terminology, specifically defense mechanisms.
Analyze each option based on its definition.
Sublimation: Channeling negative urges into positive actions. This matches the question's description.
Regression: Reverting to childlike behavior. This does not match.
Identification: Copying someone else. This does not match.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) pp. 3351-3353, 3348-3350

E6 Psychology Morgan King 9e Part 2 p. 188-190

Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.