Which statement about trauma and regression is supported by the material?

• A. Trauma can be so overwhelming that it causes a person to regress to childhood, mentally and physically.
• B. Regression only occurs in childhood.
• C. Trauma never leads to changes in behavior.
• D. Regression is a sign of recovery.

Answer: (A)

When trauma is overwhelming, people may rely on earlier coping patterns and regress to earlier developmental states as a way to feel safe. This regression can show up in how they think and behave—in their thoughts, feelings, and in physical signs of needing comfort or care akin to childhood. So, trauma can lead someone to temporarily revert to childlike ways, mentally and physically, rather than progressing forward.

That’s why this statement fits best. The other options aren’t consistent with how regression is understood: it isn’t limited to childhood, trauma can and often does change behavior, and regression isn’t a sign of recovery but a sign that coping is overwhelmed.