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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Repression Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.