is it normal for adults?

Question

Is it normal or possible for adults to regress(go back to an earlier stage or do something they did/enjoyed earlier in life) when they are trying to face a painful or stressful situation from the past?

When i say regression, i don't mean completely but perhaps for them to go back to thumb sucking, cuddling a teddy, bed wetting that sort of thing??

If anyone has any experiences that would be good, thanks!

x

( I posted this question earlier but its not showing up for me)

Answer 1

In psychology, regression is one of many defense mechanisms people have to avoid an internal emotional experience or conflict.

An example of this would be if someone got in an argument with a loved one, and had thoughts of hurting them. For most people, thoughts of hurting others while angry are normal but distasteful, and we accept these images and then move on. But for one reason or another, some people are completely unable to tolerate these angry emotions and thoughts, or they are unable to reconcile being angry with and loving someone at the same time. So to avoid feeling angry, they return to doing something that used to be comforting when they were young.

Regression (using primitive coping skills to avoid unwanted emotions) is one example of a defensive mechanism. Others include
-displacement (using another emotion to distract themselves)
-repression (denying the existence of the emotion)
-passive-aggression (denying the emotion or conflict, but behaving that way)
- surpression (accepting the emotion but delaying the experience or conflict until a later time when it is more practical)
- intellectualization (only accepting an emotion on a logical, emotionless level)
- self-awareness (both accepting the emotion and experiencing it despite being unpleasant or uncomfortable)

Most people use many different defense mechanisms for different situations, but we describe defenses like repression and regression as "primitive," defenses like self-awareness, altrusima and humor as "sophisticated" and most others as somewhere in between (passive-aggression, for example, is more primitive than sophisticated).

Answer 2

I am not sure if you would call it regression but there comes a time when adults do start to regress to the childlike stages, memory loss, irritation, blindness, etc. But this is part of the life cycle, and your question I believe asks more about if it can be a adapt-response to a stressful situation, in this case it more like a withdrawal from a unwanted situation, and it could be possible, don't know any particular cases, but I am sure it could happen.

Answer 3

I read books for children and juveniles as my way of relaxing and bought a big soft toy Dalmation for the front room that I will cuddle occasionally. Never wet the bed but have been known to pee in the bathwater: I think we store urine when we are uptight and when you step into a bath, you completely relax and it's natural to let it go. (Hygiene Freaks: Yes I do shower after a bath and Yes, I do give the bath a good clean after, though I may be guilty of ruining the enamel!). I've never sucked my thumb but I do massage/hug myself constantly and I play with my hands a lot.
It is comforting to be a child again sometimes: frivolous and carefree. Ever thought of becoming a naturist? There's nothing so liberating as getting your kit off under the sun!!!

Answer 4

I think it is normal, yes. its what we all do at certain difficult stages of our lives. I'm regressing right now, in the sense that I keep thinking about my teenage years & old crushes/friends & wishing I could go back to those times. I haven't myself experienced any physical things though like thumb sucking but I wouldnt have thought it'd be uncommon. Don't worry about it, just go with it & don't worry what others may think of you.

Answer 5

i had an experience similar where when i was with this certain gf, i would always act the same, react childishly, over emotional, self harm etc.
we split and i went with someone else, i was a normal adult,emotionally and everything.
we split!!!
got back with the first one and i was immediately the same as i was 5 years ago.

i believe certain situations and the people involved make old hurts or anxieties resurface and cloud your present judgemental state.

things will pass kitten and all will be right soon enough.


I PROMISE.

Answer 6

well it is possible and has been studied specially under hypnosis etc.
there has been fictional books written about regression ( lady of hay by Barbara Erskine ) and although its fiction it is based on facts .
I havent experienced it unfortunately !
I hope this makes sense sorry if it doesnt ! x

Answer 7

whilst ever get ***** yet my guess may well be 3 - 4 circumstances each week if i've got not got intercourse with my spouse. If I even have intercourse together with her I nonetheless masturbate whilst ever i'm getting ***** and he or she's no longer around.

Answer 8

i suppose its possible when adults are under extreme stress they could do many strange things and suppose some of those things you mentioned.

Answer 9

your question is there with one answer,the same answer i am giving ,yes it happens especially in nervous breakdowns

Answer 10

I dunno I don't think it's that normal... maybe the teddy bear is as normal as it gets