Which defense mechanism can be illustrated by repeating a comforting behavior such as thumb-sucking in response to stress?

Which defense mechanism can be illustrated by repeating a comforting behavior such as thumb-sucking in response to stress?

• A. Denial
• B. Regression
• C. Projection
• D. Sublimation

Answer: (B)

When people face stress, they may revert to earlier ways of coping that felt comforting in childhood. Thumb-sucking is a classic infantile habit that provides security and soothing relief. Repeating that behavior under pressure illustrates regression—a defense mechanism where a person moves back to an earlier developmental pattern to manage anxiety. Denial would involve refusing to acknowledge reality, not returning to a prior behavior for comfort. Projection means assigning one’s own unacceptable feelings to someone else. Sublimation involves channeling impulses into socially acceptable activities, not retreating to an immature behavior for comfort. In nursing, recognizing regression helps you support the patient by offering reassurance, maintaining familiar routines, and guiding toward more adaptive coping while addressing underlying stress.

When people face stress, they may revert to earlier ways of coping that felt comforting in childhood. Thumb-sucking is a classic infantile habit that provides security and soothing relief. Repeating that behavior under pressure illustrates regression—a defense mechanism where a person moves back to an earlier developmental pattern to manage anxiety.

Denial would involve refusing to acknowledge reality, not returning to a prior behavior for comfort. Projection means assigning one’s own unacceptable feelings to someone else. Sublimation involves channeling impulses into socially acceptable activities, not retreating to an immature behavior for comfort. In nursing, recognizing regression helps you support the patient by offering reassurance, maintaining familiar routines, and guiding toward more adaptive coping while addressing underlying stress.