Regression (psychology)

Regression, according to psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, is a defense mechanism leading to the temporary reversion of the ego to an earlier stage of development rather than handling unacceptable impulses in a more adult way. The defense mechanism of regression, in psychoanalytic theory, occurs when thoughts are temporarily pushed back out of our consciousness and into our unconscious.

Regressive behavior can be simple and harmless. A person may revert to an old, usually immature behavior to ventilate feelings of frustration. For example, an adult saying "I want to throw water balloons" is temporarily regressing to childlike behavior. Regression only becomes a problem when it is used frequently to avoid adult situations and causes problems in the individual's life.