Final answer:
The correct defense mechanism explaining Sally's choice of going for a jog rather than yelling at her son is sublimation, as it involves channeling negative impulses into positive actions. The correct option is a) Sublimation
Step-by-step explanation:
The defense mechanism that may best explain Sally's decision to go for a jog instead of yelling at her son is sublimation. Sublimation is a defense mechanism whereby socially unacceptable impulses or idealizations are unconsciously transformed into socially acceptable actions or behavior, possibly resulting in a long-term conversion of the initial impulse.
Sally's choice to jog rather than engage in conflict demonstrates sublimation because she channels the potentially destructive energy of her anger into a positive and health-promoting activity. By doing so, Sally not only avoids conflict with her son but also benefits her own physical and mental health.
This contrasts with other defense mechanisms such as repression, where one might suppress the thoughts or feelings entirely, or rationalization, where one might concoct a socially acceptable reason to justify the undesirable feelings or behavior. Regression would entail Sally behaving in a more child-like manner as a response to stress, which is not the case in this scenario.
In essence, the act of jogging serves as a conduit for the anxiety and emotional upset she may feel toward her son, allowing her to express her frustration in a productive and non-confrontational way. The correct option is a) Sublimation