Question

Sylvia, a 20 year old college student cuddles with her blanket and a stuffed bear she has had since childhood at night before bed when she returns from her class. Sylvia is using the defense mechanism of

a) regression
b) repression
c) reaction formation
d) withdrawl

Answer 1

Sylvia is displaying the defense mechanism of regression by seeking comfort in childhood behaviors like cuddling with a blanket and stuffed bear.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sylvia, a 20 year old college student who cuddles with her blanket and a stuffed bear she has had since childhood at night before bed, is using the defense mechanism of regression. This behavior is indicative of regression because it is a return to an earlier stage of development, particularly at a time when one feels stressed or overwhelmed.

In contrast to mechanisms like repression, which involves blocking out painful memories or thoughts from conscious awareness, or reaction formation, where an individual expresses the opposite of their actual feelings, regression involves a temporary reversion to a previous level of functioning that was less demanding and presumably more comforting.