What is it called when an individual uses immature behaviors to cope with emotions?

The term used to describe when an individual uses immature behaviors to cope with emotions is regression. This psychological defense mechanism involves reverting to behaviors that are characteristic of an earlier stage of development, especially during times of stress or emotional turmoil. For example, an adult may throw a temper tantrum or withdraw into childish habits when faced with overwhelming challenges or distressing situations. Regression allows individuals to temporarily escape from adult responsibilities and seek comfort in more primitive, less demanding behaviors.

Denial, repression, and displacement serve different functions in emotional regulation. Denial involves refusing to accept reality or the existence of something that causes distress. Repression entails unconsciously blocking out painful thoughts or memories from awareness. Displacement involves redirecting emotions from the original source to a safer or less threatening target. While these mechanisms may also provide means of coping with difficult emotions, they do not specifically involve the reversion to immature behavior as seen in regression.