5.5.4.1 Repression

• Why might someone use repression as a coping mechanism?

  To avoid reliving painful experiences
• What is the relationship between repression and the psychodynamic approach?

  Repression is a key concept in psychodynamic theory.
• In what way does repression protect an individual?

  By keeping emotional distress out of consciousness.
• What is a metaphor used to explain repression?

  • Putting a scary book back on a shelf
  • Avoiding reading it to prevent fear
• What is a consequence of repressing unwanted thoughts?

  It can lead to long-term issues
• How does repression affect daily life?

  It helps keep you functioning
• What might happen if someone represses feelings about bullying?

  It could lead to anxiety later on
• What is repression in psychology?

  A defense mechanism to forget distressing memories
• How does short-term relief from repression compare to long-term consequences?

  Short-term relief can lead to long-term issues
• How might repression manifest physically?

  Through symptoms like fatigue
• What are the two defense mechanisms discussed?

  Repression and Suppression
• How do repression and suppression differ in terms of awareness?

  Repression is unconscious; suppression is conscious
• What is the definition of repression in psychology?

  It is a defense mechanism hiding thoughts.
• How does repression function as a defense mechanism?

  It hides disturbing thoughts to prevent distress.
• What are the potential consequences of repression?

  • Long-term psychological issues
  • Difficulty in processing emotions
  • Possible re-emergence of repressed memories
• What type of control does suppression involve?

  Voluntary control
• What is a strength of the repression defense mechanism?

  Helps manage acute stress by burying memories
• What is the purpose of suppression?

  Manages discomfort by postponing thoughts
• What is the unconscious in the context of repression?

  • A part of the mind
  • Stores hidden thoughts and memories
  • Protects from emotional distress
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the repression defense mechanism?

  Strengths:

  • Manages acute stress by burying memories
  • Protects ego from immediate overwhelm
  • Allows daily functioning during stress

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Can lead to long-term anxiety and depression
  • Causes unexplained physical symptoms
  • Might result in relationship problems
• How does the unconscious relate to repression?

  It stores disturbing information to reduce stress
• What is the purpose of repression?

  Avoids emotional distress by burying thoughts
• What are some long-term issues caused by repression?

  Anxiety and depression
• What are the key differences between repression and suppression?

  • Awareness:
  • Repression: Unconscious
  • Suppression: Conscious
  • Control:
  • Repression: Involuntary
  • Suppression: Voluntary
  • Purpose:
  • Repression: Avoids emotional distress
  • Suppression: Manages discomfort
• What is the overall evaluation of repression in terms of mental health?

  Useful short term but leads to future issues
• What is the unconscious in psychology?

  A hidden storage area in the mind
• What is the first step in how repression works?

  A disturbing thought arises
• How does repression protect an individual?

  By pushing traumatic memories into the unconscious
• What role does the ego play in repression?

  The ego uses mental energy to protect from distress
• What might happen to a person who represses a traumatic event?

  They may experience long-term psychological issues
• What are some physical symptoms of repression?

  Headaches and stomach pain
• What is one benefit of repressing unwanted thoughts?

  It avoids immediate distress
• What happens to the thought after it is pushed into the unconscious?

  It remains hidden, protecting from distress
• What type of control does repression involve?

  Involuntary control
• If someone cannot consciously remember a traumatic event, which defense mechanism are they likely using?

  Repression
• What relationship problems can arise from repression?

  Difficulty in maintaining healthy relationships
• If a person intentionally puts a thought out of their mind to deal with it later, which mechanism are they using?

  Suppression
• How does repression protect the ego?

  It shields the ego from immediate overwhelm
• Why does the ego respond to a disturbing thought?

  It recognizes the thought as a threat
• What is a weakness of the repression defense mechanism?

  Can cause long-term anxiety and depression