Regression Psychology: Exploring The Defense Mechanism Of Regression

What is regression psychology according to Sigmund Freud?

Sigmund Freud’s findings

Sigmund Freud believed in the concept of fixation on a developmental stage that was either under- or over-gratified—a stage an individual may revert to in times of stress. These basic structures may point to regression as a coping response. Freud believed that neurosis was a “flight from an unsatisfactory reality…along the path of regression.” When a person regresses, they may retreat into an earlier stage of development to handle stress. According to Freud’s ideas centered on fixation, a person may revert to regressive behaviors that correspond with the developmental stage they fixated on. For instance, someone fixated on the oral stage may regress by nail biting or overeating, whereas a person fixated on the anal stage may regress by being overly tidy when under stress.

While modern psychologists may regard these as abandoned forms of classification, some do agree that regression can cause a temporary reversion. This could lead them to use age-inappropriate impulses as coping mechanisms when experiencing stress in everyday life. Psychoanalysts such as Michael Balint proposed a Basic Fault Theorythat some people may regress due to dependency issues or trauma in childhood. However, both children and adults may experience psychological regression.

What causes regression in children and adults? 

Regression can be common in childhood, and children may display childhood regressive behaviors to express unmet needs, stress, or trauma. For example, a young child may ask for their favorite stuffed animal during a stressful event, even if they had stopped using that toy previously. Often, childhood regression can be addressed by removing the underlying driver of regression.

Adult regressive behavior may occur when a person feels overwhelmed, stressed, and has difficulty coping in an adult manner with the challenges they encounter. To manage stress, an adult may revert to childlike behaviors or show a need for constant reassurance or dependence.

What does regression look like in adults?

Like in children, regression in adults typically occurs when stress or negative emotions are experienced. In these cases, they may return to previous habits. Some adults experiencing regression may revert to a time during development when they did not feel stressed, or when a guardian figure could help them cope with stressful events. When regression occurs, it may temporarily disrupt emotional maturity, and habitual patterns of regression may prevent a person from adopting healthier coping mechanisms.

Though some psychologists can view regression as a potentially harmful behavior, others, including Dr. Carl Jung, proposed that regression could be a positive psychological behavior and one of several effective defense mechanisms that people could have. However, managing regression may be a struggle for some people. In some cases, people may regress due to mental health conditions, in which case the help of a mental health professional may be beneficial.

What is regression psychology? Common psychological behaviors

Agitation

Hospitalized patients with regressive behaviors can sometimes be referred to as “agitated.” Agitation and regressive behaviors can be similar, and both can harm the individual and those around them. Hospital stressors may amplify these risks and ultimately require extensive hospital resources and prolonged hospital stays.

How regression affects relationships 

When it manifests, regression may affect relationships in several ways. Some regressive behaviors may cause emotional strain in romantic relationships and lead to a lack of mutual respect when unaddressed. Unconscious regressive behaviors might also make individuals feel a sense of shame and helplessness, which may further contribute to regressive behaviors. Some typical concerns that may arise with regressive behaviors include:

• Communication issues
• Dependency
• Relational stress
• Unbalanced dynamics where one partner takes on a caregiving role

Regression with family and close relationships

With family and friends, regressive behaviors may also cause relational stress and an unbalanced caregiving dynamics. However, regression may often stem from underlying concerns, such as mental health conditions and trauma. 

Regression, stress, and emotional well-being 

When regression occurs, a person may be trying to handle stress, which may exceed their coping capacity momentarily. By reverting to an earlier stage of development, they may be attempting to restore their emotional well-being. While some regressive behaviors may be temporary and harmless, patterns of regression may negatively impact individuals and hinder growth, affecting their well-being. This may be the case, for example, when a person is experiencing distress related to a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, and dissociative disorders. 

The inner child and age regression

Psychotherapy may help individuals address unresolved concerns related to their inner child wounds. A person’s inner child refers to what Carl Jung believed was the part of our subconscious mind that drives many emotions and instinctive reactions. Patterns and triggers for regression related to one’s inner child wounds may be examined in therapeutic modalities such as psychodynamic therapy and internal family systems (IFS) therapy. Reparenting may be another approach used to get in touch with your inner child and honor their needs. 

However, some psychologists may also contend that labeling behaviors as regression (or on an inner child acting out) may inadvertently excuse behaviors. 

How can regression be evaluated?

Although there may be few evidence-based research studies or introductory lectures on the subject of diagnosing regressive behaviors, diagnosis can be possible. Healthcare professionals diagnosing regression may evaluate patient history, including medical, social, and psychological. In some cases, doctors may conduct laboratory tests to aid in isolating whether medical or psychological concerns are responsible for regressive behavior. Many disorders can be responsible for regression, including Alzheimer’s disease. As a CNS disorder, more information about Alzheimer’s can be found in the Alzheimer’s Association.

Regression and mental health conditions

In general, medical professionals may screen patients with a suspected regressive tendency for a variety of other mental health disorders, including borderline personality disorder and dissociative disorders. One dissociative disorder that can involve regression is dissociative identity disorder (DID), which involves someone presenting two or more distinct identities. These identities can have distinct personality traits and may involve behaving as though the person is at a different developmental stage than their primary or former identity.

How to manage regression

The first step in regression therapy is usually to address any underlying medical or psychiatric disorders. Depending on the problems identified, several interventions may be employed to overcome regression.

In addition to regression therapy, other therapeutic modalities may help a person build new skills and healthier coping mechanisms to counter regression. As noted in a case study published in the Primary Care Companion CNS Disord., addressing the sources of regression, such as major depressive disorder, bipolar personality disorder, substance misuse, and coping strategies may help reduce regressive behaviors. 

Learning healthier ways to cope with stress 

Addressing regressive behaviors often involve developing adult coping strategies to enable you to manage stress. For many people, receiving empathetic and calming support that helps them feel safe and cared for can be beneficial. Therapy can also enable individuals to gain more self-awareness and understand the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

See a mental health therapist or psychologist

A qualified therapist or medical professional can help you develop strategies to manage regressive behaviors and understand triggers. Treatment options may include:

• Medication*
• Pain management
• Talk therapy, which may include psychodynamic therapy, regression therapy,  internal family systems (IFS) therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, among other modalities

* Always consult a medical professional before starting or stopping any form of medication.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with regression manage stressors and develop healthier coping skills and mechanisms. For individuals with some of the underlying conditions that contribute to regression, including depression and borderline personality disorder, CBT or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)may be effective in reducing those possible symptoms.

Online therapy for regressive behavior

If you’re experiencing regressive behaviors, therapy can teach you tools for emotional regulation and provide support for relationship stress. Online therapy could be an effective alternative to in-person therapy for individuals with many types of mental health disorders, offering a safe and nonjudgmental space for addressing concerns that contribute to regressive behaviors. The comfort of online therapy may be preferable for those with generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and other conditions. Additionally, online therapy may help reduce stress and the fear of judgment that some people might associate with in-person therapy.