The behavior described in the scenario is an example of regression. Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to behaviors characteristic of an earlier stage of development in response to stress or anxiety. In this case, your 5-year-old brother is reverting to the behavior of a younger child (using diapers) due to the stress of a new sibling's arrival.
Your 5-year-old brother is the baby of the family. When your mother gives birth to another child, your brother begins to soil his underwear, and your mother is forced to put him back in diapers. Which of the following defense mechanisms is he using?
(1 point)
Responses
reaction formation
reaction formation
rationalization
rationalization
regression
regression
repression
repression
1 answer