Repression

Repression is a psychological defense mechanism where an individual subconsciously pushes away thoughts, feelings, and memories that cause discomfort or distress. This mechanism is often used to cope with traumatic experiences or unacceptable desires.

Overview

Repression is a key concept in psychoanalysis, a branch of psychology founded by Sigmund Freud. Freud believed that repressed memories and desires could lead to mental health issues, including anxiety disorders and neurosis. He suggested that bringing these repressed thoughts to conscious awareness could alleviate these issues, a process known as psychoanalytic therapy.

Mechanism

Repression works by making certain memories or feelings inaccessible to the conscious mind. These repressed thoughts are not gone; they continue to influence behavior and emotional responses on a subconscious level. This can lead to seemingly unexplainable behaviors or feelings, as the individual is not consciously aware of the source of these reactions.

Criticism

While repression is a widely accepted concept in psychoanalysis, it has been criticized by some psychologists. Critics argue that there is little empirical evidence to support the existence of repression and that the concept is unfalsifiable. Others suggest that what is often labeled as repression may instead be a form of forgetting or denial.

See also

• Defense mechanism
• Psychoanalysis
• Sigmund Freud
• Anxiety disorders
• Neurosis

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References

External links

• Repression at Encyclopædia Britannica
• Defense Mechanisms at Simply Psychology