Adaptation to Life

George E. Vaillant

    Preface, 1995
    Cast of Protagonists

    PART ONE:
    The Study of Mental Health: Methods and Illustrations

    Introduction

    1. Mental Health
    2. The Men of the Grant Study
    3. How They Were Studied
    4. Health Redefined-The Joyful Expression of Sex and of Anger

    PART TWO:
    Basic Styles of Adaptation

    5. Adaptive Ego Mechanisms-A Hierarchy
    6. Sublimation
    7. Suppression, Anticipation, Altruism, and Humor
    8. The Neurotic Defenses
    9. The Immature Defenses

    PART THREE:
    Developmental Consequences of Adaptation

    10. The Adult Life Cycle-In One Culture
    11. Paths into Health
    12. Successful Adjustment
    13. The Child Is Father to the Man
    14. Friends, Wives, and Children

    PART FOUR:
    Conclusions

    15. The Maturing Ego
    16. What Is Mental Health-A Reprise
    17. A Summary

    References Cited

    Appendix A: A Glossary of Defenses

    Appendix B: The Interview Schedule

    Appendix C: The Rating Scales

  • Cover: Adaptation to Life

George E. Vaillant is Professor of Psychiatry, ; Director of the Study of Adult Development, Harvard University Health Services; and Director of Research in the Division of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital.