Repression, in psychology and psychoanalytic theory, is a defense mechanism that ensures that whatever is unacceptable to the conscious mind, and would provoke anxiety if recalled, is prevented from entering the conscious mind at all. Psychoanalytic theory holds that repression plays a major role in mental illness, since the excluded material is not eliminated but continues to operate on thought and behavior from outside conscious awareness.
Facts
Core ClaimIn psychology and psychoanalytic theory, repression is a defense mechanism that 'ensures that what is unacceptable to the conscious mind, and would if recalled arouse anxiety, is prevented from entering into it.' 1 First Described Year Classification
Type of Phenomenon Connections
Associated With
Central architect of psychoanalytic defense-mechanism theory, of which repression is the foundational concept.
Sources
1. Repression (psychology)
Lead section
In psychology and psychoanalytic theory, repression is a defense mechanism that "ensures that what is unacceptable to the conscious mind, and would if recalled arouse anxiety, is prevented from entering into it."
lead section, phenomenon-kind classification
In psychology and psychoanalytic theory, repression is a defense mechanism that "ensures that what is unacceptable to the conscious mind, and would if recalled arouse anxiety, is prevented from entering into it.
View the SourceRepression (psychoanalysis) (Wikipedia)
In Group: Defense Mechanisms, LeadQuote, In Group: Defense Mechanisms, Lead
In psychology and psychoanalytic theory, repression is a defense mechanism that "ensures that what is unacceptable to the conscious mind, and would if recalled arouse anxiety, is prevented from entering into it." As such, psychoanalytic theory asserts that repression plays a major role in mental illnesses.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.