psychological regression

[sai-kuh-LAH-juh-kul rih-GRESH-uhn]
nounfemininepl: regressões psicológicas
regressão psicológica
1. A return to an earlier stage of psychological development or functioning, typically as a defense mechanism in response to stress, trauma, or anxiety
The child showed signs of psychological regression after the traumatic event, reverting to thumb-sucking behavior.
A criança mostrou sinais de regressão psicológica após o evento traumático, voltando ao comportamento de chupar o dedo.
2. In psychoanalytic theory, the unconscious process of returning to earlier modes of thinking, feeling, or behaving as a coping strategy
During therapy, the patient's psychological regression revealed unresolved childhood conflicts.
Durante a terapia, a regressão psicológica do paciente revelou conflitos não resolvidos da infância.
3. A temporary or persistent decline in cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning to a less mature level
The elderly patient exhibited psychological regression following hospitalization and isolation.
O paciente idoso exibiu regressão psicológica após hospitalização e isolamento.
This term is widely used in Brazilian and American psychology, psychiatry, and mental health contexts. In Brazil, it's commonly discussed in therapeutic settings and educational psychology. The concept is particularly relevant in trauma-informed care and is frequently referenced in clinical supervision and professional training. In the USA, it's a fundamental concept in psychoanalytic and cognitive-behavioral therapy traditions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
mental regressionemotional regressionbehavioral regressiondevelopmental regressionreversion
Antonyms / Antônimos
psychological progressionemotional maturationpsychological developmentadvancement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
regressão psicológica
Standard term used in clinical and academic contexts
Rio de Janeiro
regressão psicológica
Same as general usage; informal: 'volta ao passado' in colloquial speech
São Paulo
regressão psicológica
Preferred in psychological and psychiatric literature
Portugal
regressão psicológica
Identical usage; sometimes 'retrocesso psicológico' in informal contexts

Related Words

defense mechanismtrauma responsecoping strategypsychoanalysischildhood behaviorstress responseego defenseemotional processing

Related Idioms & Phrases

going back in time
acting like a child
reverting to old patterns
returning to square one
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