Retreat from the present pattern of behavior to a previous level of behavior that appears more comfortable or safer is:

A. Suppression Suppression is conscious avoidance of thoughts-not a return to earlier behavior. B. Regression Regression is a defense mechanism in which a person reverts to earlier behaviors, typically from childhood, to feel safe (e.g., a toilet-trained child wets themselves during stress). C. Sublimation Sublimation is a mature defense mechanism that redirects negative impulses into socially acceptable actions (e.g., aggression into sports). D. Repression Repression is unconscious blocking of thoughts or memories—not a behavioral return to earlier stages.