The mother of a 6-year-old boy who has recently had surgery for the removal of his tonsils and adenoids complains that he has begun sucking his thumb again. Which defense mechanism will the nurse include when responding to the mother?
A) Repression
B) Rationalization
C) Fantasy
D) Regression

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Regression is a defense mechanism where a person returns to an earlier stage of development in response to stress or anxiety. In this case, the child has reverted back to thumb-sucking as a form of comfort following surgery, which may have been stressful or anxiety-provoking for him.

The Mother of a 6-Year-Old Boy Who Has Recently Had