A nurse is counseling a client for the management of anxiety. The client is consistently late for appointments and ignores household chores. The client states, “I’m just too stressed. I need someone to take care of me.” The nurse identifies this behavior as an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?

Choice A reason: Regression involves reverting to an earlier developmental stage under stress, such as seeking dependency or avoiding responsibilities like chores and appointments. The client’s desire to be cared for reflects this defense mechanism. Choice B reason: Introjection involves internalizing others’ beliefs or values, such as adopting someone else’s attitudes. The client’s behavior does not involve adopting external values but rather a retreat to dependency. Choice C reason: Repression involves unconsciously blocking distressing thoughts or memories. The client’s behavior is not about forgetting stress but actively expressing a need for care, making this incorrect. Choice D reason: Dissociation involves detaching from reality or one’s sense of self, often in response to trauma. The client’s behavior reflects dependency, not a disconnection from reality, so this is incorrect.