We employ defense mechanisms of varying costs in terms of mental energy expenditure and varying rewards in terms of problem-solving effectiveness.
Those with healthy personalities utilize defense mechanisms that require the least mental energy expenditure and yield the highest problem-solving effectiveness.
Repression is the worst of these, requiring alot of energy over an extended period while failing to address the underlying problem.
Sublimation is the best of these: psychoanalysts call it "the only truly successful defense mechanism" (Burger, 2008, p. 48).
healthy personality
best defense mechs (maximize problem-solving effectiveness, minimize mental stress)