Inner Child
The inner child is a therapeutic metaphor for the part of an adult that still carries the feelings, needs and unmet longings formed in childhood.
Full definition of Inner Child →:: COMPARE ::
Inner childvsRegression
The short answer
Regression is a defensive slide back into earlier functioning under stress — temporary and reactive. The inner child is a way of describing needs that never stopped being present. One is a retreat; the other is a permanent resident.
Side by side
| Aspect | Inner child | Regression |
|---|---|---|
| Is | An ongoing metaphor | A defensive process |
| Timing | Always present | Under stress |
| Framing | Needs | Defence |
| Clinical status | Metaphor | Recognised mechanism |
What each one means
Regression
The contrast above sets out how Regression differs from Inner Child on the points that actually matter.