Return to earlier behaviors in a crisis is identified as?

The concept of returning to earlier behaviors in a crisis is identified as regression. This psychological defense mechanism involves reverting to behavior characteristic of an earlier developmental stage, often in response to stress or anxiety. In moments of crisis, individuals might display childish behaviors, tantrums, or a general inability to cope as they might have during childhood. Regression allows a person to feel a sense of comfort or safety, stemming from the simplicity of earlier behaviors when faced with overwhelming situations.

The other concepts provided do not accurately describe this phenomenon. Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or thoughts onto someone else, digression is about straying from the main topic, and displacement refers to shifting emotional responses from the true source of distress to a more acceptable target. Each of these defense mechanisms serves a different purpose, but none encapsulate the idea of returning to earlier behaviors as regression does.