Often when a newborn baby is brought home from the hospital, the preschool sibling will begin to exhibit behaviors, such as sucking his or her thumb or wetting the bed.These reactions illustrate which defense mechanism?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This reaction is indicative of regression, which is a defense mechanism in which an individual reverts to immature behaviors that were effective in the past for coping with stress or anxiety. In this case, the preschool sibling is exhibiting behaviors associated with earlier stages of development, as a way to cope with the stress and anxiety caused by the arrival of the new baby.

Often When a Newborn Baby Is Brought Home from the Hospital