Regression

Regression
Happens when one comes back to a previous phase of psychological development possibly due to stress or anxiety. Regression is done unconsciously. When put under stress, an adult returns back to a child-like state and deteriorates to old immature behaviors. An adult may want to hold or be near an object that reminds them of their childhood. Children may also revert back to previous phases. For example, an 8-year-old boy who is anxious about his parents' divorce can regress to earlier habits of thumb sucking or clinging.