What is the term for a subconscious retreat to a previous stage in behavior?

The term that refers to a subconscious retreat to a previous stage in behavior is regression. This psychological concept describes a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to behavior typical of an earlier developmental stage when faced with stress or anxiety. For example, an adult experiencing significant life stress might exhibit childlike behaviors, such as throwing a tantrum or seeking comfort in a security blanket. Regression serves as a way for individuals to cope with feelings of inadequacy or overwhelm by temporarily escaping to a simpler, more familiar state of being.

In contrast, repression involves the unconscious blocking of undesirable thoughts or memories from awareness, projection relates to attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or thoughts onto someone else, and denial is a refusal to accept reality or facts related to a distressing situation. Each of these concepts describes different psychological mechanisms, with regression specifically linked to returning to earlier behavioral patterns.