Repression

Repression

Description:

Repression is a theory put forward by Freud in 1894. It states that we use repression as a defence mechanism in order to forget stressful or traumatic events e.g. if you're in a car crash you wouldn't remember the event happening as it is stressful and traumatic therefore will be repressed. These stressful events are pushed into our unconcious mind making us forget the event and protecting us from the negative emotions associated with the memory.

Freud suggested that repression occurs as a result of poor relationships with our parents early on in life. Repressed memories can manifest themselves in later life in our attitudes and behaviours for example if your father abuses your mother…