Which term describes reverting to earlier developmental stages in response to stress?

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

Answer: (C)

Under stress, people can fall back on earlier developmental patterns as a way to cope. This retreat to younger, simpler behaviors is called regression. It acts as a defense by providing familiar and manageable responses when anxiety is high—for example, seeking frequent reassurance, clinging to others, or acting in a childish way. This differs from displacement, which redirects emotions to a safer target; projection, which attributes one’s own feelings to someone else; and denial, which refuses to acknowledge reality. Regression focuses on reverting to earlier ways of coping rather than shifting blame, misattributing feelings, or denying what’s true.