Trey has been caught several times in his past for watching girls change clothes. As an adult, Trey has managed to have a successful career as a photographer for Playboy magazine. What defense mechanism is this an example of?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sublimation is a defense mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses or idealizations are transformed into socially acceptable actions or behavior, possibly resulting in a long-term conversion of the initial impulse. In this case, Trey's past behavior of watching girls change, which is socially unacceptable, is transformed into a career in photography for Playboy magazine, which is a socially acceptable and professional way to engage with similar impulses.

Trey Has Been Caught Several Times in His Past for Watching