4 Reasons We ‘Regress’ In Conflicts With Parents — By A Psychologist

Forbes - Mar 21st, 2025
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Arguments with parents often lead adults to regress to childhood behaviors, a phenomenon known as psychological regression. This occurs when unresolved emotional patterns from childhood resurface, causing adults to act like their younger selves. Key psychological reasons include the internal conflict between new adult skills and ingrained childhood habits, as well as automatic emotional responses developed during childhood. Parents often remain authority figures, triggering power struggles and regression during conflicts.

Understanding this regression is crucial for addressing these dynamics. By recognizing these patterns, adults can begin to break free from the cycle of reacting like their younger selves. Strategies such as setting boundaries, reframing intent, and communicating as equals can help manage conflicts more effectively, promoting healthier relationships. This process requires patience and self-awareness, acknowledging that both parties are adjusting to a new dynamic as adults. Ultimately, small steps towards change can lead to improved emotional independence and self-worth.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging and accessible discussion of psychological regression in adult-child dynamics, supported by relatable examples and clear explanations. Its strengths lie in its readability and ability to resonate with a broad audience, addressing issues of public interest such as autonomy and emotional well-being.

However, the article's accuracy and source quality are limited by a lack of detailed citations and expert insights, which could enhance its credibility. The narrative is somewhat one-sided, focusing primarily on the adult perspective, and could benefit from a more balanced exploration of parental viewpoints.

Overall, the article effectively raises awareness of an important psychological concept but could increase its impact and engagement by providing actionable advice and incorporating more diverse perspectives.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article discusses the phenomenon of psychological regression in adult-child dynamics, presenting it as a common experience. It cites a classic study on infantile regression and a 2013 study from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships to support its claims. However, the article does not provide specific details about these studies, such as sample sizes, methodologies, or direct quotes, which makes it difficult to verify the accuracy of these references.

The narrative about psychological regression is plausible and aligns with general psychological theories, but without direct access to the studies mentioned, the precision of these claims cannot be fully confirmed. The article could benefit from more detailed sourcing or links to the studies for readers to assess the original research themselves.

The anecdotal evidence, such as the example of a mother questioning her child's career choice, while relatable, is subjective and lacks empirical backing. This kind of evidence is useful for illustration but does not substitute for factual accuracy.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of adults dealing with psychological regression in their interactions with parents. It emphasizes the challenges and emotional struggles faced by adults, with minimal consideration of the parental perspective.

While the article acknowledges that parental intrusiveness might stem from a desire to connect, it does not explore this angle in depth. This creates a somewhat one-sided narrative that could benefit from a more balanced exploration of both adult and parental viewpoints.

Including more perspectives, such as insights from parents or mental health professionals, could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play and enhance the article's balance.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written and structured, making it easy to follow and understand. It uses relatable examples and clear language to explain the concept of psychological regression, which enhances its accessibility to a general audience.

The logical flow of the article is maintained through a progression from defining the phenomenon to exploring its causes and effects. The use of subheadings and examples helps to break down complex ideas into digestible parts.

While the article is clear and engaging, it could benefit from more explicit connections between the examples and the psychological theories discussed to reinforce the clarity of its arguments.

5
Source quality

The article references two studies to support its claims but lacks detailed citations or links to these sources. This limits the ability to verify the credibility and reliability of the information presented.

The absence of named experts or direct quotes from psychologists or researchers further weakens the source quality. Including insights from professionals in the field would strengthen the article's authority and provide a more robust foundation for its claims.

Without access to the original studies, it's challenging to assess the potential conflicts of interest or biases that may affect the reporting.

5
Transparency

The article provides a general overview of psychological regression but lacks transparency in terms of the methodologies or sources behind its claims. The references to studies are vague, with no specific details or links provided.

There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest or biases, which could affect the impartiality of the article. Greater transparency about the basis for claims and the context in which studies were conducted would enhance the article's credibility.

Overall, the article could improve its transparency by offering more detailed information about the sources and methodologies used to support its claims.

Sources

  1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6327660/
  2. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5570&context=facpub
  3. https://www.relationalpsych.group/articles/regression-as-a-defense-mechanism
  4. https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/family-connection/holiday-regression/
  5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4578899/