In the midst of a psychoanalytically oriented counseling session, Mr. Green, a client of Dr. John Sommers-Flanagan, begins sucking his thumb and then runs from the office screaming, "I want my mommmmmmy." Which defense mechanism seems to be operating here?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Regression is the defense mechanism at play here. Mr. Green is reverting to behaviors of a much younger stage of development, such as thumb-sucking and crying for his mother, in response to stress or uncomfortable feelings, which is characteristic of regression.

In the Midst of a Psychoanalytically Oriented Counseling Session, Mr