Illinois CNA State Practice Exam

The defense mechanism where a person retreats back to an earlier time or condition is called what?

1. Compensation

2. Denial

3. Regression

4. Repression

The correct answer is: Regression

The correct response is indeed regression. This defense mechanism involves a person reverting to behaviors typical of an earlier stage of development, particularly when faced with stress, anxiety, or difficult situations. For example, an adult might throw a temper tantrum when they feel overwhelmed, reflecting childhood behavior. This retreat to a safer, more manageable state can serve as a psychological coping strategy, providing temporary relief from stressors while the individual struggles to handle the situation at hand. Compensation refers to a strategy where an individual tries to make up for perceived deficiencies by emphasizing other strengths. Denial involves refusing to accept reality or facts, acting as though a painful situation does not exist. Repression is the act of unconsciously blocking out painful memories or feelings from awareness. While these mechanisms serve different psychological needs, regression distinctly focuses on returning to earlier, more childlike responses in times of difficulty.