Shortly after her daughter is born, Anna's three-year-old son wants to start sleeping in the crib again. This behavior is an example of _________, according to psychoanalytic theory.

• A. rationalization
• B. regression
• C. repression
• D. projection

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key behavior in the scenario: Anna's three-year-old son wants to start sleeping in the crib again after the birth of his sister.
2. Understand the context: The birth of a new sibling can be a significant change for a young child, potentially causing feelings of insecurity or jealousy.
3. Review the options provided: rationalization, regression, repression, and projection.
4. Define each term: Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to an earlier stage of development in response to stress or conflict.
5. Apply the definition: The son's desire to sleep in the crib, a behavior typical of a younger child, aligns with the concept of regression, as he is reverting to an earlier developmental stage in response to the new family dynamic.