Ok, as someone with a hyperfixation on psychology, I just feel the need to clarify some terms here:
Age Regression: Age regression is a genuine, clinically recognised disorder. It is characterised
by the patient involuntarily going into a child-like headspace in order to cope with stress or strong
emotions. Typically, poeple with age regression have meltdowns, tantrums, or "childish" ways of
handling inconveniences or emotions. Many common ways age regressors will try to deal with
these stressful situations are: Arm/limb flailing, yelling, hitting people/things, crying, clinging
tightly to a comfort object or stuffed animal, or huddling themselves into a ball, etc. Age regression
is typically a result of trauma, or even past substance abuse. It is not hereditary, nor is it a voluntary
destressing activity or coping mechanism.
Paraphilic infantilism/more commonly known as ageplay: Paraphilic infantalism, more commonly
reffered to as ageplay is a destressing activity that involves roleplaying as a young child/baby, often
involving a parental figure/babysitter. Ageplay is stereotyped as an exclusively sexual fetish, but in reality
can purely be a coping mechanism. Many people who participate in ageplay simply enjoy dressing as,
or acting like a small child because it brings them comfort. While for some it may be sexual, it is not
inheritly a sexual kink/fetish. Many people confuse age regression with ageplay, but it should be noted
that no matter what the intent of the roleplay is, paraphilic infantilism is a pretty different thing from
age regression. Although, often they involve entering a child-like headspace for the same reasons.
"Pet regression": I'm just going to outright say it. Pet regression is not a real disorder. It is not ever
mentioned in the DSM-5, and if you asked a medical professional about it they would tell you it isn't
real. Although, the experiences of people who claim to be pet regressors are completely valid and
real and can be seen in other subcultures, disorders, fetishes, identitys, coping strategies, ect.
Petplay: Most of the people I see claiming to be pet regressors are actually those of which who
participatein petplay. Petplay is characterized as a type of roleplay that involves acting as,
dressing as, or thinking like an animal. It usually involves entering an animal/pet headspace, and
often a master/mistress/owner to take care of the "pet". Petplay is pretty similar to ageplay,
only instead of entering a child-like headspace, you enter an animal's headspace. It is often a
destressing activity, coping mechanism, or even a sexual fetish/kink. Though, like ageplay,
petplay is in no way inheritly sexual.
OMG SORRY ABOUT HOW LONG THAT IS HOLY SUGARPLUM--- Sorry for the mini essay about
regression lol I'm really interested in psychology (ᵕ—ᴗ—)
Yeah if you want to learn more about psychology search: AshtheN3rd or ashthen3rd