An adult throwing a temper tantrum when he does not get his own way is an example of?

AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-2)

Applied Psychology

Medium

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual retreats to an earlier, more infantile stage of development in the face of stress or conflict.
The behavior described, an adult throwing a temper tantrum, is a clear example of reverting to a childlike way of expressing frustration and is not typical for a mature adult.
This mechanism helps the individual avoid the anxiety associated with dealing with the situation in a mature, adult manner.
Other examples of regression include an adult sucking their thumb when anxious or a toilet-trained child having accidents when a new sibling is born.

Option B: Undoing involves performing a secondary action to symbolically 'undo' or atone for a previous unacceptable thought or action. The scenario only describes the initial outburst (the tantrum), not a subsequent act of atonement.
Option C: Sublimation is the channeling of unacceptable impulses (like aggression) into socially valued and acceptable activities. A temper tantrum is a socially unacceptable and destructive outburst, not a constructive one.
Option D: Repression is the unconscious blocking of unpleasant or unacceptable thoughts, memories, or feelings from conscious awareness. The man in the scenario is consciously acting out his frustration; he is not blocking a memory.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Ego Defense Mechanisms as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses often see regression in hospitalized patients who may become overly dependent, demanding, or emotional due to the stress of illness. Recognizing this as a coping mechanism allows the nurse to provide reassurance and support rather than becoming frustrated.
Understanding defense mechanisms helps the nurse to interpret patient behavior more accurately and develop therapeutic communication strategies.
What if? If the adult, instead of having a tantrum, started meticulously cleaning the room and organizing everything perfectly after being denied his way, it might be an example of 'Undoing'—trying to regain control and 'cancel out' the negative feelings of frustration with an orderly, compulsive action.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core behavior in the question stem: an adult is having a 'temper tantrum'.
Analyze this behavior: A temper tantrum is typically associated with childhood. An adult exhibiting this behavior is acting in a way that is immature for their developmental stage.
Review the definitions of the defense mechanisms provided in the options.
Match the identified behavior to the correct definition. 'Regression' is defined as reverting to an earlier, more childlike pattern of behavior, which perfectly describes an adult temper tantrum.
Eliminate the other options by confirming they do not fit the scenario. Undoing requires a second action, Sublimation requires a socially acceptable outlet, and Repression involves unconscious forgetting.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Psychology Morgan King 9e Part 2 p. 188-190