Postponing paying attention of conscious impulse or conflict is a mature defence mechanism known as –

**Core Concept**
Suppression is a mature defence mechanism involving the conscious effort to inhibit distressing thoughts, feelings, or impulses. Unlike repression, which occurs unconsciously, suppression is a deliberate, conscious process where an individual recognizes the threat and actively pushes it out of awareness.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Suppression involves the **conscious, intentional inhibition** of a thought or impulse that is recognized as threatening or undesirable. This process occurs in the presence of awareness and is part of mature psychological adaptation. It differs from repression, which is unconscious. In psychiatry, suppression is considered a healthy, rational defence mechanism because it allows individuals to manage conflicts without acting on them, especially when the impulse is recognized as harmful.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
Option A: Sublimation involves transforming unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities (e.g., turning aggression into sports), not delaying attention to impulses.
Option C: Humor deflects anxiety by laughing at a stressful situation, not by postponing conscious attention to conflict.
Option D: Anticipation involves expecting future events, not suppressing present impulses or conflicts.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In psychiatric evaluations, suppression is often seen in individuals managing anxiety or trauma—such as patients with PTSD or chronic stress—where they consciously avoid dwelling on distressing memories. It is a sign of emotional maturity and self-regulation.

✓ Correct Answer: B. Suppression