Ch. 12 - Personality: Theory, Research, and Assessment
John and Jenny have been dating for a while but their relationship is suffering. Jenny typically cleans their apartment twice a day and has asked John to help clean but John responded by refusing to say a word. During the ensuing argument, John accused Jenny of being too controlling and too obsessed with cleaning. Jenny on the other hand accused John of acting like a child every time they have a fight.
-Which defense mechanism is John likely using during their fights according to Jenny

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

John is likely using regression as a defense mechanism during their fights, according to Jenny, because she accuses him of acting like a child, which suggests a retreat to an earlier stage of development in the face of conflict.