189k views
0 votes
Shortly before she was to start high school, Aaliyah's family moved to another state. On the first day of school, Aaliyah's mother catches Aaliyah sucking her thumb, something that Aaliyah has not done in years. Which defense mechanism is Aaliyah using to avoid stress

User Scorpian
by
4.5k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Answer:

Regression

Step-by-step explanation:

Regression is a psychological defense mechanism in which a person adopts certain behaviors from an earlier stage of development. The person leaves behind her age-appropriate coping strategies and shows earlier behavior patterns and typically childish attitudes (eg thumb sucking). Under the action of intense stress, adaptation mechanisms are lost and primitive adaptation patterns are retaken. Regression is a way of bringing back a time when the person felt safe and cared for.

User Sagi Mann
by
5.2k points