The defense mechanism that exemplifies this case is REGRESSION. This mechanism is a response to stressful situations.
In psychology, regression refers to the process in which the ego regresses to an earlier phase of development due to stressful situations.
During this defense mechanism (regression), a person copes with stressful circumstances by retreating to an earlier development phase.
Regression means that an adult may behave in a manner that's immature for his/her age due to stressful situations.
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