Question

For several months after he lost the job he had held for nearly 20 years, Mr. Ullomi frequently lost his temper and suffered periodic crying spells. His behavior is most clearly an example of?

1) displacement
2) an Oedipus complex
3) reaction formation
4) regression
5) projection

Answer 1

Mr. Ullomi's behavior of losing his temper and experiencing crying spells due to losing his job is an example of regression, where an individual reverts to earlier behaviors as a defense mechanism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mr. Ullomi's behavior after losing his job, characterized by frequent loss of temper and crying spells, is most clearly an example of regression. Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual faced with stress reverts to a behavior that is characteristic of an earlier stage of development. This could be seen in someone acting much younger than their age in response to a stressful situation or losing an important aspect of their identity, like a long-held job.