Which defense mechanism involves unconsciously burying painful thoughts from consciousness?

Which defense mechanism involves unconsciously burying painful thoughts from consciousness?

• A. Denial
• B. Suppression
• C. Repression
• D. Projection

Answer: (C)

Repression is the defense mechanism that unconsciously burying painful thoughts or memories in the unconscious to shield the ego from distress. It happens automatically, without the person choosing to forget, so the painful material remains out of conscious awareness. This differs from denial, which is about refusing to accept reality; suppression, which is a conscious, voluntary push of thoughts away; and projection, which involves placing one’s own unacceptable feelings onto someone else. For example, a person might have memories of a traumatic event that are blocked from awareness, yet the underlying emotions still influence behavior and reactions, illustrating how repression works to keep distress out of consciousness.

Repression is the defense mechanism that unconsciously burying painful thoughts or memories in the unconscious to shield the ego from distress. It happens automatically, without the person choosing to forget, so the painful material remains out of conscious awareness. This differs from denial, which is about refusing to accept reality; suppression, which is a conscious, voluntary push of thoughts away; and projection, which involves placing one’s own unacceptable feelings onto someone else. For example, a person might have memories of a traumatic event that are blocked from awareness, yet the underlying emotions still influence behavior and reactions, illustrating how repression works to keep distress out of consciousness.