A person reverts to a more childlike behavior when under stress. This is an example of which defense mechanism?

• A. Identification
• B. Fixation
• C. Regression
• D. Suppression

Answer: (C)

Reversion to childlike behavior when under stress is called regression. It’s an unconscious defense that helps reduce anxiety by returning to an earlier, simpler developmental stage where coping felt easier. When someone regresses, they might seek comfort in familiar routines, become clingy, whine, or display behaviors typical of a child, as a way to manage overwhelm.

This differs from identification, which involves adopting another person’s traits to feel stronger or more capable. It’s not about returning to early behavior. Fixation involves getting stuck at a particular developmental stage rather than temporarily acting younger under stress. Suppression is a conscious, deliberate effort to avoid certain thoughts or feelings, not an automatic, unconscious return to childhood behaviors. In practice, recognizing regression helps clinicians provide appropriate reassurance, structure, and support to restore coping and autonomy.