Motivated forgetting
Motivated forgetting is a psychological concept that refers to the process by which individuals may subconsciously block out, or "forget," memories that are distressing, uncomfortable, or otherwise unwanted.
Pronunciation
Motivated forgetting: /moʊˈtɪveɪtɪd fərˈɡɛtɪŋ/
Etymology
The term "motivated forgetting" is derived from the English words "motivated," which means being provided with a reason to do something, and "forgetting," which refers to the inability to remember. The concept is rooted in Sigmund Freud's theories of repression and the subconscious mind.
Definition
Motivated forgetting is a theory that suggests people can forget traumatic or unwanted memories by either suppressing the memory (pushing it out of conscious awareness, an unconscious process) or repressing the memory (intentionally trying to forget it, a conscious process). This is often a defense mechanism that protects the individual from psychological damage.
Related Terms
- Repression: A psychological defense mechanism where distressing thoughts, memories, or impulses are pushed out of the conscious mind.
- Suppression: A conscious process of intentionally trying to forget or not think about distressing memories.
- Defense mechanism: A psychological strategy used by the mind to protect itself from anxiety, stress, or uncomfortable thoughts or feelings.
- Subconscious: The part of the mind that is not currently in focal awareness, but that can influence conscious thoughts and behavior.
- Trauma: A deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can lead to long-term mental and physical health problems.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Motivated forgetting
- Wikipedia's article - Motivated forgetting
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