Question

Freud (and others) suggest that defense mechanisms differ with respect to “maturity”. That is, some defense mechanisms are more characteristic of healthy ego-function than others. Research also finds evidence that children are more likely to engage ‘less mature’ defense mechanisms than adults typically do. Please discuss the ‘maturity’ issue. Specifically, what makes one defense mechanism more “mature” than another (or more ‘primitive’)? How does the notion of ‘maturity’ relate to issues of the overall adjustment/adaptiveness of personality function?

Answer 1

The use of defence mechanisms lessen distress and anxiety produced by threatening people or by an uncomfortable reality. However, there is a qualitative difference between mature and immature defence mechanisms. Excessive use of immature defences is seen as socially undesirable, in that they difficult to deal with and seriously out of touch with reality. The overuse of these defences leads to serious problems in a person's ability to cope effectively. On the other hand, mature defences are commonly found among emotionally healthy adults and may even be considered virtuous. The use of these defences optimise success in human society and relationship, and also enhance subjective pleasure and feelings of control.