Final answer:
The term describing the coping mechanism of reverting to an earlier developmental stage is 'regression,' and the correct answer is C. Child. This is a common psychological response to stress where individuals exhibit behaviors from an earlier life stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes the coping mechanism where a patient returns to an earlier stage of development and exhibits behaviors unique to that stage of life is known as regression. In this case, the correct answer to the question is C. Child. This type of behavior can be a response to stress, trauma, or anxiety and is a way for individuals to temporarily escape from current challenges.
According to the phases of the life course, individuals go through different stages of development, each with its unique characteristics and behaviors. When faced with significant stress, individuals may revert to behaviors characteristic of a stage where they felt more secure, often childhood. This return to comfort seeking child-like behaviors can be observed in people of all ages under distress.