Altruism: which defense mechanism is exemplified by helping others to cope with stress?

• A. Altruism
• B. Sublimation
• C. Suppression
• D. Humor

Answer: (A)

Using a defense mechanism where distress is managed by helping others is altruism. Altruism involves channeling personal anxiety into actions that benefit others, which can reduce the individual’s own stress by creating a sense of meaning and connection. It’s an unconscious way to cope, turning internal tension into prosocial behavior.

Sublimation would redirect impulses into socially valued activities (like turning aggression into sports or art), which isn’t specifically about helping others to cope with stress. Suppression is a conscious, deliberate blocking of thoughts or feelings, not the automatic, stress-relieving act of helping others. Humor uses wit to ease tension, but its coping strategy is different from the selfless action of altruism.