Final answer:
A person who regresses to an earlier stage of development in reaction to stress is experiencing the defense mechanism called regression. This behavior is related to unresolved conflicts in stages such as early childhood or infancy, according to Freud's psychosexual stages of development. Despite lack of empirical support, Freud's theories continue to influence psychological understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ego Defense Mechanisms
The ego defense mechanism in which a person confronted with anxiety regresses to a more immature behavioral stage is commonly referred to as regression. In times of stress, individuals may display childlike behaviors that were typical in early childhood or infancy. This form of retreat is a psychological defense mechanism that temporarily reduces anxiety by allowing the individual to revert to earlier stages of development.
Early childhood is a crucial stage of development ranging from ages 1 to 5 years, where toddlers transition from dependency to increasing autonomy. During this time, significant physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development takes place. According to Sigmund Freud's psychosexual stages of development, failure to navigate these stages properly may result in fixation and subsequent psychological consequences in adulthood. For instance, an individual fixated at the oral stage may indulge in overeating or smoking as a means of coping with anxiety, reflecting unresolved conflicts from infancy.
It is worth noting that while Freud's theories about personality development and fixations have deeply influenced psychological thinking, they lack empirical evidence and are considered controversial within the scientific community. Nonetheless, these concepts remain a part of psychological study and one's understanding of human behavior.