Regression as a Defence Mechanism
- Dr Sheena Kumar
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
What is meant by regression as a defence mechanism?
What does it look like - i.e. someone acting in an immature / age inappropriate way in order to cope with stress or anxiety. If you could provide some examples that would be great.
Regression as a defence mechanism is usually a psychological response in which a person reverts to behaviours, emotions, or thought patterns from an earlier stage of development. We do this to cope with stress, anxiety, or trauma. When faced with uncomfortable or overwhelming situations, a person might unconsciously retreat to a more childlike or less mature behaviour pattern. This behaviour often mirrors an earlier developmental phase, where coping skills may have been simpler, they were less burdened by responsibilities or where they felt more secure.
This type of regression often manifests as behaviours that are immature or age-inappropriate. Instead of addressing challenges or feelings in a mature, constructive way, the person "regresses" to simpler behaviours or coping strategies typical of a younger age.
Examples of Regression in Action:
Temper Tantrums: An adult or teenager might throw a tantrum—yelling, sulking, or stomping—when they feel rejected or frustrated, similar to how a young child would react when things don’t go their way.
Seeking Parental Comfort: A grown individual may regress to childlike behaviour, such as clinging to a parent, using baby talk, or seeking excessive reassurance, during times of extreme stress or emotional vulnerability.
Avoiding Responsibility: Instead of facing responsibilities (e.g., deadlines or difficult conversations), a person might avoid them entirely or engage in procrastination, reminiscent of avoidance strategies used during childhood.
Reverting to Foetal Position: In situations of intense fear or sadness, some people may curl up into a foetal position, a natural self-soothing posture that many associate with infancy.
Engaging in Childish Activities: When overwhelmed, some individuals might indulge in childlike activities, such as colouring, playing with toys, or watching cartoons. These activities can temporarily provide comfort or a sense of familiarity and control.
Is it a conscious behaviour?
Regression as a defence mechanism is typically an unconscious behaviour. Individuals do not actively choose to regress; rather, it occurs automatically as a way for the mind to manage overwhelming emotions or stress. While it may look intentional, people engaging in regressive behaviours are often unaware of their underlying motivations. In therapeutic settings, helping individuals recognize this pattern can enable them to develop healthier, more conscious coping strategies.
The unconscious nature of regression is what differentiates it from deliberate actions. For instance, someone might consciously choose to relax by watching a childhood movie that they have seen many times before it’s familiarity being comforting to them. But in true regression, the person isn't aware they're reverting to a childlike state to escape from or cope with their stress or anxiety.
What causes people to behave this way?
This defence allows people to revert to earlier, often simpler behaviours that provided comfort or security at a younger age. The unconscious mind initiates this process as a protective response, aiming to create a psychological 'retreat' from the current stressor. Regression allows the person to avoid the discomfort of the current situation by mentally or behaviorally "escaping" to a time in life associated with fewer responsibilities or worries. However, while it may provide temporary relief, it usually doesn't address the root cause of stress or anxiety, so the person often must eventually face the issue directly.
There are plenty of reasons or situations that regression can happen. Often there are circumstances or people that trigger these behaviours. Such as returning to a family home that you haven’t been living in and old dynamics with parents or siblings kick in and people find themself acting the same way they did 20 years earlier. And parents maywell contribute to this by not treating their children as they adults they have become in their own right.
How can a reader cope with someone who is exhibiting this behaviour?
You may witness yourself, a spouse or a loved one regressing as a defence mechanism. Perhaps the reason for the regression isn’t obvious to you. Therefore supporting someone who is exhibiting regressive behaviours requires patience and a compassionate approach. It’s important to recognize that these behaviours are often rooted in stress or emotional overwhelm, not a deliberate attempt to be difficult or childish. Offering a calm, reassuring presence can help them feel safer and more understood, which may reduce the need for these behaviours. Encourage them to express their feelings openly, without judgement, as this can sometimes help them move toward more mature coping mechanisms. Setting gentle boundaries can also be helpful, as it can remind them of the appropriate context while still showing empathy. Lastly, if regressive behaviours are persistent or disruptive, suggesting professional support can be beneficial, as therapy can help them build healthier ways of managing stress.
If it’s the reader experiencing this, can you offer suggestions as to how they overcome regression? These can be in bullet points if it is easier?
Overcoming regressive behaviours involves developing self-awareness and recognising when these behaviours are triggered. The first step is to identify the situations or emotions that tend to lead to these responses, such as stress, fear, or feeling overwhelmed. Practising grounding techniques, like deep breathing or mindfulness, can help you stay present and manage intense emotions in a healthier way. Building a toolkit of mature coping strategies, such as problem-solving skills and effective communication, can gradually replace the need to fall back on regressive behaviours. It can also be helpful to work with a therapist to explore any unresolved issues that may be contributing to these patterns. Over time, with practice and self-compassion, you can learn to respond to stress with greater resilience and emotional maturity.
