Vaillant Recently Published an Article in the Well-Respected American Psychology

question 42

Multiple Choice

Vaillant recently published an article in the well-respected American Psychology Association journal suggesting that his levels of defense mechanisms are a way to measure psychological maturity and well-being. Which of the following is an argument he probably offered in support of this assertion?

• A) All individuals consistently demonstrate the same defense mechanisms in identical situations.
• B) The association between mature defenses and mental health is present across a number of indicators (occupational success, maturity, happiness).
• C) Individuals under severe stress do not revert to less mature mechanisms.
• D) The levels of defense mechanisms are sequential and stage-like.

---

Definitions:

Correct Responses

Correct responses refer to answers or reactions that are accurate, appropriate, or in alignment with expected outcomes in a given context.

Rewards

Benefits, recognitions, or compensations offered or received as a result of an action or behavior.

Elicited

Brought about, provoked, or drawn out by a stimulus or action; in research, responses or actions that are drawn out by specific experimental conditions.

Emitted

Released or given off, often used in the context of light, heat, or sound.