This paper deals with a patient who, under hypnosis, went through several episodes of spontaneous regression. Gill attempts to clarify the dynamic and structural changes which take place in the patient during such a period. He examines the theories of Erickson and Kubie on the difference between regression and revivification. Further, he compares and contracts some of the theoretical speculations concerning chemically induced regressions and those induced by hypnosis.

The essential problems are: 1, whether regression may take place to early childhood levels with the maintenance of some ties with reality; 2, when does regression indicate ego strength or ego weakness; 3, the specific relationship between traumatic events and a person's predilection for regressive phenomena.