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Correct Answer: regression
the correct coping style indicated by the 7-year-old boy's behavior of bed-wetting after starting at a new school is regression. regression, in psychological terms, refers to the act of returning to a previous stage of development when faced with stress, anxiety, or discomfort. in this scenario, the stressor is the transition to a new school environment, which can be quite significant for a child.
children, when confronted with unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations, may revert to earlier behaviors that they had previously outgrown. bed-wetting (nocturnal enuresis) in a child who had already achieved nighttime dryness is a classic example of regression. this behavior typically manifests in response to psychological stress - in this case, possibly due to challenges such as adapting to new routines, teachers, or peer groups at the new school.
regression is a defense mechanism identified in the field of psychology as a way individuals cope with stress by retreating to an earlier stage of development. this return to earlier behaviors is largely unconscious and serves as a temporary coping strategy to deal with feelings of insecurity or vulnerability. for children, such primitive behaviors might provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, thereby offering temporary relief from the pressures they feel in their current developmental stage.
differentiating regression from other coping styles is important:
- **suppression** involves consciously pushing unpleasant thoughts or feelings out of one's awareness.
- **sublimation** refers to channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable behaviors.
- **repression**, often confused with suppression, involves unconsciously burying distressing thoughts and feelings.
in summary, the child’s return to bed-wetting is indicative of regression as he attempts to manage the emotional and psychological challenges posed by his transition to a new school. understanding such behaviors can help caregivers and educators provide appropriate support to help the child adapt more effectively to new environments.
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