Defense Mechanism Classification and Maturity

Introduction to Defense Mechanisms

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry categorizes altruism as a neurotic-level defense mechanism, which is more adaptive than primitive mechanisms 1, 2
The evidence-based hierarchy of defense mechanisms organizes defenses into distinct categories based on their psychological maturity and adaptiveness, as categorized by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1, 3

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends humor as a mature defense mechanism, which involves taking distance to see situations from different perspectives while mastering them 1, 2
Anticipation is a mature defense mechanism that involves thinking ahead to prepare for effective handling of situations, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1
Suppression is a mature defense mechanism that involves consciously postponing attention to conflicts for a better moment, as classified by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1
Sublimation is a mature defense mechanism that involves channeling conflicts into socially acceptable and productive outlets, as recommended by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1

Altruism is a neurotic-level defense mechanism that is considerably more adaptive than primitive mechanisms, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1, 2
Undoing is a neurotic-level defense mechanism that involves attempting to reverse or negate an action or thought, as categorized by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1

Denial is a borderline-level defense mechanism that involves closing off awareness of reality, as classified by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1
Projection is a neurotic defense mechanism that involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts to others, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1, 3
Regression is a neurotic defense mechanism that involves reverting to earlier developmental patterns, as categorized by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1, 4

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that mature defenses, such as sublimation and humor, correlate with better psychological outcomes and adaptive coping strategies 5, 6
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends that psychodynamic therapy aim to help patients move from primitive, maladaptive defenses toward more mature mechanisms, such as altruism 1, 3, 5, 6