AP Psychology Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer is regression, which is a defense mechanism identified by Sigmund Freud in his psychoanalytic theory. Regression occurs when an individual faced with anxiety or stress retreats to behaviors characteristic of an earlier developmental stage. This can manifest as childish behaviors, such as throwing tantrums, dependency on others, or reverting to thumb-sucking or bedwetting. Such responses provide an escape from the current anxiety-inducing situation by allowing the individual to experience a sense of safety and comfort associated with an earlier, less demanding phase of life.

In contrast to this, projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else, making it less about retreating to a previous developmental stage. Rationalization refers to constructing a logical justification for behaviors or actions that may seem irrational or anxiety-provoking, rather than regressing to a simpler state. Lastly, reaction formation is the process of converting unwanted or anxiety-provoking feelings into their opposites, which also does not involve a return to earlier emotional states. Therefore, regression specifically highlights the tendency to revert to earlier behaviors as a coping mechanism in response to stress or anxiety.