University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Repression is a defense mechanism where anxiety-causing or overwhelming memories and thoughts are unconsciously blocked from entering conscious awareness. This process removes distressing information from the psyche, although the repressed memory may continue to influence an individual by causing symptoms in other areas.

Repression

What is the primary function of repression as a defense mechanism?

Which of the following best describes the concept of repression in psychology?

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of repression?

Which of the following is an example of repression as a defense mechanism?

An example of repression is when LaShea is unable to recall the memory of her grandfather's fatal heart attack, even though she was present when it happened.

Example of Repression

An analogy for repression can be seen in a person who has a car making a strange noise. Lacking the money for repairs, the person turns up the radio to drown out the sound, eventually forgetting about it. This is similar to how the human psyche might block an overwhelming memory from conscious awareness.

Analogy for Repression

According to Freudian theory, memories that are repressed and removed from conscious awareness do not simply disappear. They can continue to exert influence and may manifest as psychological or physical symptoms in other aspects of an individual's life.

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