Theories About Age Regression and Trauma

Age regression is when a person reverts to a younger state of mind. They may regress a few years back from their current age or, in some cases, return to a child-like or infant-like state.

Regression is a normal and temporary condition for children, and it can be a coping mechanism for stress and untreated trauma in adults. Examples of regressive behaviors include baby talk, thumb-sucking, and temper tantrums. These behaviors can be voluntary or involuntary.

This article reviews the definition of age regression, its causes, and stigmas. It also discusses age regression as a part of psychological treatment. 

What Is Age Regression?

Age regression is a temporary or long-term reversal of behavior to earlier states of development. It is normal and expected in children but does occur in adulthood as well. 

People sometimes revert to childlike behavior to cope with trauma, stress, severe illness, or mental health disorders. Age regression can be unconscious (involuntary) or conscious (voluntary) behavior. 

A subtle example is when a person who sucked their thumb as a child chews on a pen because they are stressed or trying to think. More severe regression can include crying in a fetal position and bed-wetting.

Age Regression in Children

Age regression is a normal part of development for infants and children of all ages, especially if they are overwhelmed or reach a new milestone. This is temporary and usually resolves in a few weeks. Toddlers frequently throw temper tantrums, especially when afraid, tired, or hungry. They typically grow out of this before preschool or around 4 years old.

Psychological Theories About Age Regression

There are several theories about the reasons for age regression.

Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory

Sigmund Freud is a well-known neurologist from the 20th century. He is considered the founder of psychoanalysis, a theory and therapy used to treat mental health disorders. 

Freud defined age regression as an unconscious defense mechanism that causes the reversion of the ego to an earlier stage of development instead of handling unacceptable impulses in a more adult manner. He said that this defense mechanism helps a person protect themselves from the effects of trauma, stress, and anger.

Anna Freud’s Motivated Forgetting Theory

Sigmund Freud’s daughter, Anna, elaborated on his studies. Anna developed specific tools for psychoanalysis or therapy with children. Rather than focus exclusively on talk therapy, she also engaged children through play or drawings.

She proposed that people psychologically regress under stress to an emotional time period when they felt safer.

Carl Jung

Carl Jung, a psychiatrist who founded analytical psychology, saw age regression more positively. Jung defined age regression as an attempt to achieve childhood innocence, security, love, and trust. His theory was that people revert to an age when they felt safer.

Condition-Related Behaviors

Regressive behaviors can stem from neurological, medical, or mental health conditions and may be a symptom of:

• Dissociative identity disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Catatonia
• Delirium
• Substance use disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Dementia
• Borderline personality disorder
• Mood disorders
• Depressive disorder

Voluntary Age Regression

For some, age regression is a deliberate choice used as a coping mechanism for past trauma, anxiety, or depression. Others voluntarily adopt childlike behaviors because it’s a way to deal with stress.

Voluntary age regression might include:

• Wearing baby clothes
• Sucking on a pacifier
• Being spoon-fed
• Using a sippy cup
• Playing with children’s toys
• Creating a safe space with childlike objects to feel more at peace
  

Age Regression From Trauma 

Those who experienced trauma at an earlier time are more likely to regress, especially if the trauma occurred at a young age. The regression can be triggered by stressors or memories of trauma.

Working With a Therapist in Regressive Therapy 

In different forms of psychotherapy, the patient might regress in certain ways. This can sometimes be a helpful and necessary way to rework maladaptive (inappropriate) defense mechanisms (including regression and acting out) in sessions with a therapist. It also can lead to more mature functioning outside of therapy sessions.

There are times, particularly in the face of certain types of trauma and personality disorders, in which regression can be overwhelming. These times may require active interventions by the therapist to help the person manage these regressions in healthier ways.

Hypnotic Regression Benefits vs. Controversies 

The goal of regressive hypnosis therapy, a form of hypnotherapy (also known as hypnosis) used to actively help a person revisit memories and emotions from an earlier date. Some therapists feel this can help patients access repressed memories and help them deal with painful experiences from the past. There is considerable evidence, however, that memories accessed through hypnosis are not reliable.

Hypnosis that focuses on regression remains controversial for several reasons, including:

• False memory syndrome: Memories gained during hypnosis are not trustworthy and can unintentionally create false memories.
• Preconceived ideas: The therapist may have ideas or opinions formed beforehand about clients that cause false or leading suggestions.
• Lack of training: Opponents argue that people performing hypnosis are not all trained therapists. Without proper training, they may not have the tools to help if significant emotional distress occurs.

If hypnosis sounds like something you want to try, it is important to find a qualified mental health professional who has had appropriate training.

Age Regression Stigmas

Age regression, whether voluntary or involuntary, is not considered sexual. It is a term used in psychology or medicine. This terminology refers to those who voluntarily or involuntarily regress to a younger state of mind.

A kink is a sexual activity that falls outside of what society considers conventional. Age play, a type of kink, is when someone pretends to be younger or role-plays during sexual activities.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Age regression is often temporary in children, but if they regress for more than a few weeks, check in with a pediatrician for support. Adults with signs of age regression can consult with a healthcare provider or mental health professional who can help determine and treat the underlying cause and/or help them find other coping strategies.

Summary

Age regression, or when someone acts younger than their age, can be voluntary or involuntary. For children, involuntary regression is a typical and temporary behavior that is part of their normal growth and development.  

Psychological theories about age regression in adults differ among some scientists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists. They propose a variety of possible causes, including a coping mechanism for stress, behavior related to certain medical or mental health conditions, and a state sometimes promoted in certain psychotherapies.