A resident sleeps with a doll from childhood. This is an example of which defense mechanism?

A resident sleeps with a doll from childhood. This is an example of which defense mechanism?

• A. Denial
• B. Regression
• C. Repression
• D. Projection

Answer: (B)

Reversion to earlier ways of coping under stress is regression. Sleeping with a doll from childhood gives the person a familiar, comforting link to a younger, safer time, which is exactly how regression manifests—retrieving childlike behaviors or objects to manage anxiety in the present. This differs from denial, which is refusing to accept reality; repression, which is pushing distressing thoughts out of conscious awareness; and projection, which is attributing one’s own feelings to others. So using a childhood security object as comfort in a stressful moment fits regression.

Reversion to earlier ways of coping under stress is regression. Sleeping with a doll from childhood gives the person a familiar, comforting link to a younger, safer time, which is exactly how regression manifests—retrieving childlike behaviors or objects to manage anxiety in the present.

This differs from denial, which is refusing to accept reality; repression, which is pushing distressing thoughts out of conscious awareness; and projection, which is attributing one’s own feelings to others. So using a childhood security object as comfort in a stressful moment fits regression.