An adult becomes very dependent upon his parents after the dissolution of his marriage.His defence mechanism is ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Regression is a defense mechanism in which an individual reverts to earlier or less mature patterns of behavior. In this case, becoming very dependent on parents after a marriage dissolution may be a result of the individual regressing to a prior state of dependence. Displacement involves redirecting emotions from a threatening object to a less threatening one, reaction formation involves expressing an unacceptable impulse by behaving in an extreme opposite manner, and projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others. None of these defense mechanisms seem to fit the situation described in the question.

An Adult Becomes Very Dependent Upon His Parents After the Dissolution