What defense mechanism involves pushing unacceptable impulses back into the unconscious?

Repression is a defense mechanism that plays a crucial role in the psychological process of managing anxiety and distress. When an individual experiences thoughts, feelings, or impulses that are deemed too threatening or unacceptable, repression serves as a way to push these unwanted aspects back into the unconscious mind. This mechanism helps individuals avoid confronting difficult emotions or memories, thereby providing a sense of temporary relief from psychological discomfort.

For example, a person who has experienced a traumatic event may not remember the specifics of that event because their mind has repressed those memories to protect them from the associated pain. This allows individuals to function in their daily lives without being overwhelmed by anxiety or distressing thoughts.

Repression differs from other defense mechanisms. Denial involves refusing to accept reality or the existence of certain facts, while projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or thoughts onto someone else. Sublimation, on the other hand, channels unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable behaviors. Understanding repression is fundamental in psychology, as it highlights how the unconscious mind can influence behavior and emotional health without a person even realizing it.