Anxiety Coping: Understanding Regression

The question describes a psychological coping mechanism where an individual reverts to earlier, more childlike behaviors when dealing with anxiety or stress. This defense mechanism is known as Regression.

Key Concept: Defense Mechanisms

Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies used to cope with reality and maintain self-image. They help reduce anxiety arising from unacceptable thoughts or feelings.

Analyzing the Options:

• Regression: This is the correct answer. It involves returning to an earlier developmental stage (like childhood) and displaying behaviors associated with that stage when faced with stress or anxiety. For example, an adult becoming overly dependent or throwing tantrums when stressed.
• Repression: This involves unconsciously blocking unwanted thoughts or memories from entering conscious awareness. It's about forgetting or pushing away, not reverting to childlike behavior.
• Rationalization: This involves creating logical-sounding excuses or explanations for behaviors or feelings that might otherwise be unacceptable. It’s about justifying actions, not reverting to earlier behaviors.
• Identification: This involves unconsciously adopting characteristics, behaviors, or attitudes of another person (often someone admired or perceived as powerful) to cope with anxiety or enhance self-esteem.

Therefore, reverting to childish behavior to cope with anxiety is specifically termed Regression.