Specifically, sublimation involves the transformation of
unacceptable sexual or aggressive impulses into productive or creative outlets,
such as art, music, sports, or intellectual pursuits. Through sublimation,
individuals can express their unconscious desires or impulses in a socially
acceptable and productive manner, without experiencing guilt or anxiety.
For example, a person who has aggressive tendencies may
channel their aggression into a competitive sport like boxing, while a person
with strong sexual desires may channel their energy into creative pursuits like
writing or painting. By engaging in these socially acceptable activities,
individuals can reduce their anxiety and avoid the negative consequences of
acting on their unconscious impulses.
Freud believed that sublimation was a mature and adaptive
defense mechanism that allowed individuals to transform their impulses into
something positive and productive. However, he also believed that individuals
who are unable to sublimate their impulses may experience psychological
difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, or social isolation.
How Does Sublimation Work?
Sublimation can transform negative impulses into behaviors
that are not only less damaging but sometimes productive in nature. For
example, consider what might happen if you are overcome with anger.
An emotional blow-up is one way of dealing with this
feeling, but this type of emotional response can be harmful. You might find
yourself with damaged relationships, for example, or earn the reputation of
being a hothead.
Rather than fly off in a fit of rage, what if you channeled
your angry emotions into some type of physical activity, such as cleaning your
house? After spending a few hours angrily scrubbing down your kitchen and
bathrooms, your feelings eventually subside and you are left with a positive
result—a sparkling clean home.
Examples
Here are some examples of sublimation as a defense
mechanism, according to Freud:
- A
person with strong aggressive impulses becomes a successful boxer, where
they can channel their aggressive energy into a socially acceptable sport.
- A
person with strong sexual desires becomes a successful writer, where they
can channel their sexual energy into creative writing.
3. A
person dealing with phobias able to transform fear and emotional stress into
courage by facing the fears head-on.
- A
person with a tendency towards kleptomania becomes an artist, where they
can channel their urge to steal into creating beautiful paintings.
- A
person who has a desire to control others becomes a successful CEO, where
they can channel their desire for power into a socially acceptable career.
- A
person who has a desire to harm others becomes a successful surgeon, where
they can channel their desire to cut and harm into a career that involves
helping people.
- A
person who has a strong need for attention becomes a successful performer,
where they can channel their need for attention into a career that
involves entertaining others.
8. An
adult who was abused as a child may become a law-enforcement professional,
enabling them to enforce rules and express their aggression and pain by “taking
on the bad guys.”
These are just a few examples of
how sublimation can be used as a defense mechanism. By redirecting their
unconscious impulses into socially acceptable outlets, individuals can find
ways to express themselves and reduce anxiety without causing harm to themselves
or others.
Impacts
Sublimation, as a defense mechanism, can have several
positive impacts on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Here are
some of the impacts:
- Reduced
anxiety: Sublimation can help individuals reduce anxiety and avoid the
negative consequences of acting on their unconscious impulses. By
channeling their energy into socially acceptable activities, they can
release their impulses in a safe and controlled manner, which can help
reduce anxiety and tension.
- Increased
self-esteem: Engaging in creative or productive activities can give
individuals a sense of accomplishment and increase their self-esteem. By
channeling their impulses into socially acceptable outlets, they can feel
good about themselves and their abilities.
- Improved
relationships: By engaging in socially acceptable activities, individuals
can build positive relationships with others who share similar interests.
This can lead to a sense of belonging and social support, which can be
beneficial for mental and emotional well-being.
- Enhanced
creativity: Sublimation can also enhance creativity and innovation. By
channeling their impulses into creative activities, individuals can tap
into their unconscious desires and express them in unique and innovative
ways.
However, it is important to note that sublimation may not
always be the best defense mechanism for everyone. Individuals who are unable
to sublimate their impulses may experience psychological difficulties, such as
anxiety, depression, or social isolation. It is important for individuals to
seek professional help if they are experiencing significant distress or
difficulty managing their impulses.
Sublimation in Psychoanalysis
Sublimation is a defense mechanism, which is an unconscious
psychological defense that reduces the anxiety that may result from
unacceptable urges or harmful stimuli.2 The concept of
sublimation has a central role in Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory.
According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, there are three
components of personality: the id, the ego, and the superego.
- The id is
the first to form and serves as the source of the libido or the
energy that drives behavior. The id is primitive and basic, composed of
all the urges and desires that are often socially unacceptable if we
simply acted upon them whenever we pleased.
- The
ego emerges later during childhood and is the part of the personality that
reigns in the id, making it conform to the demands of reality. Rather than
simply acting out on urges, the ego forces us to deal with these desires
in ways that are more realistic.
- The
superego is the component of personality that is made up of all the
morals, rules, standards, and values that we have internalized from our
parents and culture. This part of personality strives to make us behave in
ways that are moral.
The ego must mediate between the primal urges of the id, the
moralistic standards of the superego, and the demands of reality.
Sublimation is one way that the ego reduces the anxiety that
can be created by unacceptable urges or feelings. It works by channeling
negative and unacceptable impulses into behaviors that are positive and
socially acceptable.
Sources and Additional Information:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-sublimation-in-psychology-4172222
https://www.talkspace.com/blog/sublimation-psychology-what-is/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/sublimation
