Which defense mechanism involves reverting to earlier developmental behaviors to cope with stress, such as thumb-sucking?

Which defense mechanism involves reverting to earlier developmental behaviors to cope with stress, such as thumb-sucking?

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

Answer: (B)

Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies to manage anxiety. Reverting to earlier developmental behaviors to cope with stress is regression, a retreat to previously familiar actions that once provided comfort. Thumb-sucking is a classic example—the person seeks the security and predictability of an earlier developmental stage to lessen current distress. In practice, spotting regression helps clinicians understand that a rise in age-inappropriate behaviors may signal heightened anxiety or overload, prompting supportive interventions and reassuring routines. Denial involves refusing to acknowledge painful reality, not returning to earlier behaviors. Projection assigns one’s own unacceptable feelings to someone else. Sublimation redirects impulses into socially acceptable activities. Among these, regression best fits the description of returning to infantile coping mechanisms under stress.

Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies to manage anxiety. Reverting to earlier developmental behaviors to cope with stress is regression, a retreat to previously familiar actions that once provided comfort. Thumb-sucking is a classic example—the person seeks the security and predictability of an earlier developmental stage to lessen current distress. In practice, spotting regression helps clinicians understand that a rise in age-inappropriate behaviors may signal heightened anxiety or overload, prompting supportive interventions and reassuring routines.

Denial involves refusing to acknowledge painful reality, not returning to earlier behaviors. Projection assigns one’s own unacceptable feelings to someone else. Sublimation redirects impulses into socially acceptable activities. Among these, regression best fits the description of returning to infantile coping mechanisms under stress.