Age Regression

 

Age regression can fit into different places on the dissociative continuum depending on its nature and context. The dissociative continuum spans from normal dissociation (daydreaming or "zoning out") to pathological dissociation (as seen in conditions like Dissociative Identity Disorder). Here's where age regression might fit:

Normal Dissociation (Non-pathological):

• Voluntary age regression: This can occur in safe, playful, or therapeutic settings where someone consciously engages in age regression for comfort, stress relief, or healing (e.g., in therapy or for self-soothing). It is not a sign of dissociation in the clinical sense but more of a coping mechanism or therapeutic tool.

Trauma-related Dissociation:

• Age regression as a trauma response: For individuals with PTSD or complex PTSD, age regression may occur involuntarily during moments of heightened stress or triggers, reflecting a psychological return to a younger state where the trauma originated. This is often tied to unresolved emotional states or unmet needs from the past.

Pathological Dissociation:

• Age regression within structural dissociation:
  • Secondary structural dissociation: In individuals with complex PTSD or Dissociative Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (DDNOS/OSDD), age regression might manifest as emotional parts (EPs) that hold trauma memories or feelings from a younger developmental stage. These EPs can emerge when triggered but may not have distinct identities.
  • Tertiary structural dissociation: In individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), age regression may occur as part of an alter who identifies as a younger self or child. These child alters may embody trauma memories or serve a protective or emotional role within the system.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Voluntary vs. Involuntary: Is the person intentionally regressing (e.g., for comfort) or does it happen automatically and feel out of their control?
• Integration with reality: In less pathological forms, individuals may still be aware of their current identity and surroundings. In more severe dissociation, the regression may involve significant loss of awareness of the present.
• Connection to trauma: If regression is tied to trauma, it may signify unresolved issues that require therapeutic attention.

Therapeutic Context:

In therapy, age regression can be used intentionally to access and heal inner child wounds, but it requires careful handling, especially for individuals with dissociative disorders, to ensure it does not deepen dissociative tendencies or overwhelm the person.