When questioned about the automobile accident that brought him into the hospital, the patient began to cry loudly. The patient then proceeded to curl up in a ball on the bed and suck his thumb. This patient is presenting the defense mechanism of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's response of crying loudly and then curling up in a ball and sucking his thumb suggests a regression to an earlier stage of development characterized by behaviors associated with a lack of emotional regulation and security. The patient's behavior can be seen as an attempt to cope with the stress and anxiety of the situation by reverting to an earlier, safer state.

When Questioned About the Automobile Accident That Brought Him into the Hospital