What is regression vs repression?

Okay, here's a comparison of regression and repression in markdown format, with the requested link structure:

Regression vs. Repression: Defense Mechanisms

Both Regression and Repression are defense mechanisms, unconscious psychological strategies used to protect an individual from unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses. However, they operate in different ways:

Repression:

• Definition: Repression is the unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and impulses from conscious awareness. It's a primary defense mechanism. The individual is generally unaware that the repressed material exists.
• How it Works: Repression is the "forgetting" or ignoring of something that is too painful or threatening to acknowledge.
• Example: A person who experienced abuse as a child might have no conscious memory of the abuse, but may still have difficulty forming relationships.

Regression:

• Definition: Regression involves reverting to an earlier stage of development when faced with stress or anxiety. It is a retreat to behaviors that were comforting or secure during that earlier stage.
• How it Works: It is a retreat to an earlier stage in order to feel safer during periods of stress.
• Example: An adult who throws a temper tantrum when they don't get their way, or a child who is toilet-trained suddenly starts wetting the bed when a new sibling arrives.

Key Differences:

Feature	Regression	Repression
Action	Retreating to an earlier stage of development	Blocking unacceptable thoughts/feelings from consciousness
Awareness	While the behavior itself is conscious, the motivation behind it may be unconscious.	Unconscious blocking; the individual is unaware of the repressed material.
Purpose	To cope with stress by seeking comfort and security in familiar behaviors.	To protect the ego from unacceptable thoughts/impulses that would cause anxiety.
Developmental Stage	Regression to a previous stage of development	The initial defense mechanism, which is a sort of "base" in which the others can be developed.