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Repression: What It Is & Its Place in Modern Psychology

Published: August 29, 2022 Updated: November 25, 2022
Published: 08/29/2022 Updated: 11/25/2022
Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD
  • What Is Repression?Definition
  • History of RepressionHistory
  • The Debate Over Repression & Repressed MemoriesDebate
  • Examples of RepressionExamples
  • Signs of RepressionSigns
  • Impact of RepressionImpacts
  • How Is Repression Treated & Dealt With in Therapy?Treatment
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Repression InfographicsInfographics
Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD

Repression is a term used in psychology to represent the process of someone unconsciously pushing unwanted thoughts, feelings, impulses, or memories from their minds. Addressing and acknowledging repressed memories can be a great way to improve a person’s mental health; but, this process can also be difficult, as painful emotions are hard to revisit.

Therapy is a safe place to explore uncomfortable and painful feelings. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

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What Is Repression?

Repression is used to describe the conscious or unconscious blocking of recollections or memories of a past event. A person can repress memories of the experience or disconnect from the feelings or thoughts associated with it.1 This process is a type of defense mechanism someone may employ to cope with trauma. By repressing certain emotions, a person can avoid unwelcome anxiety, depression, or fear, at least in the short-term.2

Repression almost always occurs with threatening or unpleasant content. People are much more likely to repress sad, scary, or uncomfortable aspects of life than they are happy ones. This defense mechanism happens unconsciously and unintentionally; true repression occurs without a person’s awareness. To them, it seems as though the traumatic situation never happened. On the other hand, repression can also lead a person to believe that an event occurred in a different way than how it actually happened, also known as “false memories.”

On the surface, this coping mechanism may seem useful and healthy. However, repression can act as a barrier that can impede happiness, physical health, and psychological well-being. In short, repression keeps a person from understanding and accepting reality and potentially seeking help for these past traumatic memories.

Repression vs. Suppression

Suppression and repression are both similar to defensiveness, but there is one important difference between the two. While they both revolve around a person coping with stressful experiences, suppression occurs intentionally. Someone will actively identify any problematic memories or beliefs and push them out of their conscious mind.3 One may use suppression when the reality of a situation is too difficult to accept. For example, someone may choose to ignore the fact that their partner is cheating on them, because unpacking the experience is incredibly distressing.

History of Repression

The concept of repression has existed since the early days of psychoanalytic psychology. In fact, repression was the first defense mechanism identified by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. Freud is known for his intense focus on the impacts one’s unconscious mind has on aspects of daily life and relationships. His work in the field of psychoanalytic therapy has greatly influenced the world of psychology, but his daughter Anna further refined his ideas in the mid-1940s.1 Along with repression, there are a number of other defense mechanisms recognized in modern psychoanalytic psychology. Nevertheless, repression is one of the more commonly explored areas.

Repression in Contemporary Psychology

Modern psychology has shied away from the first-wave views of psychoanalytic psychologists. Typically, repression may be discussed in its original form or be expanded to touch on other behaviors and mental conditions. Repression may now be used to describe periods of dissociation, or when one loses conscious awareness of an event. The term can also represent general attempts to avoid unpleasant thoughts.2

The Debate Over Repression & Repressed Memories

Debate and controversy associated with repression stem from reports of false or created memories. It has been argued that repressed memories are often faulty or could be manipulated by therapists. Nevertheless, these conflicts are rare.4 Typically, a person will have some recollection of repressed memories. Therefore, the idea that a therapist can influence or create these is not likely. A trustworthy and professional therapist will work to understand the evidence of the situation and seek corroboration to make information more definite.4

Dr Lawrence Patihis Headshot“Research shows that traumas are usually remembered all too well, and that current adult life problems are common and are not necessarily indication of buried traumas. If a person has severe current problems and requires therapy, they should be directed towards well supported therapies, including one of the variations of cognitive therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.” – Dr. Lawrence Patihis

Are Repressed Trauma Memories Real?

Repressed memories can absolutely be real. Still, it is important to remember that new information or thoughts can result in a disconnect between fact and fiction in someone’s mind. Those with missing memories may inject external details to fill in the gaps. Separating reality from imagination can be challenging.

Examples of Repression

Repression can occur in anyone, regardless of age, gender, or mental stability. It can manifest in a variety of forms depending on the trauma a person experiences. Regardless, this unconscious action is the response to painful situations and can be attributed to many different stimuli including sexual abuse, childhood trauma, or unhealthy relationships.

Repressed Memories

A person may repress memories of their past in order to dissociate themselves from prior relationships, events, or circumstances. For instance, if someone had a difficult relationship with their mother, they may repress most or all of their negative interactions. This can be done in order to completely forget about the trauma or as a way of skewing their relationship to appear more positive in nature. One may tell themselves and others that their mother was supportive or encouraging of them, when, in reality, she was the exact opposite.

Repression & Trauma

A person’s brain sometimes works to repress trauma–particularly childhood trauma–because one feels it is too overwhelming to process. At times, this response could be beneficial to an individual. However, the memories may reemerge as a person enters adulthood, thus negatively impacting many aspects of their life. Residual trauma can influence how a person interacts with others, their coping skills, and overall well-being.

Sexual Repression

If a person grows up in a family dynamic in which sexual exploration is prohibited, one’s true sexuality may become repressed. Rather than accept their identity, one may subconsciously alter themselves to fit into the mold set for them by their loved ones, community, or culture. Later in life, one may notice their sexuality present in different ways or struggle to find fulfillment in romantic relationships. Additionally, a person who experiences sexual abuse may repress memories of the event in order to separate themselves from the occurrence.

Help For Trauma / PTSD

Talk Therapy – Get help recovering from trauma from a licensed therapist. Betterhelp offers online therapy starting at $60 per week. Get matched With A Therapist


Virtual Psychiatry – Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment


Guided Psychedelic Journeys – Ketamine is a prescription medication that clinicians can prescribe off-label to treat trauma, depression, anxiety, and OCD. Innerwell pairs ketamine with support from licensed psychotherapists. Find out if you’re a good candidate: Take Online Assessment 

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Talkiatry, and Innerwell.

Signs of Repression

Repressed memories, emotions, or thoughts may remain hidden for long periods of time. A person may never realize that they are missing this information. Still, these subconscious experiences can exhibit in many ways throughout one’s life. A challenging aspect of repression is the timing in which it showcases. When signs begin to emerge, it can be impossible to pinpoint triggers.
Some signs that someone is experiencing repression might include:

  • A constant sense of uneasiness and discomfort
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Substance use disorders 
  • Behavioral addictions (shopping, sex, work, etc.)
  • Eating disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder 
  • Chaotic relationships
  • Frequent career changes

Impact of Repression

Repressed content may spill over into one’s life without them even noticing. When a person fails to realize that they have repressed trauma, addressing such will never be a priority. Unfortunately, leaving residual wounds untreated can result in adverse consequences.

Repressed memories may impact a person’s:

Dreams

While some may view them as meaningless or unimportant, a psychoanalytic therapist sees dreams as a window into the unconscious mind. Because of this, dreams may be used as a way of interpreting a person’s repressed memories. Since articulating clear messages from dreams can be tough, oftentimes this practice is seen as taboo. However, many believe that the subconscious will work to rectify unresolved issues when a person is asleep. For example, a person may dream about their trauma as a way to relive and remedy the occurrence.

“Freudian Slips”

The concept of Freudian slips is based on the notion that one accidentally says what their unconscious mind is thinking. This action is thus labeled as a “slip” and can be applied to one expressing repressed memories, feelings, or emotions.

Phobias

Phobias are quite common, but the causes of these fears are often unknown. It is possible that repressed experiences influence the development of phobias. A person may unconsciously adopt an intense aversion to a certain object or situation after a negative encounter with such. In these cases, addressing and treating phobias would be hard, as the underlying root is undetermined.

Physical Health Concerns

There is evidence to suggest that repression can impact both a person’s mental and physical health. Studies show that disorders such as chronic pain and cancer may be linked to unresolved issues.1 Moreover, repression can often be attributed to a heightened risk of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How Is Repression Treated & Dealt With in Therapy?

While other forms of therapy may not delve into repression,psychodynamic therapy will spend considerable time exploring one’s unconscious mind. With the use of free association and projective methods of treatment, psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapy will work to explore and identify one’s repressed emotions. Once these are uncovered, the therapist and client can move to resolve them in order for the patient to heal. This process may take a physical and mental toll on an individual, so choosing the right therapist is key to success.

Final Thoughts

Repression is a common mental phenomenon used to help one cope with uncomfortable realities. However, when used in excess, this defense mechanism can lead to further tribulation down the line. Working with a qualified therapist to explore your unconscious mind can prove incredibly beneficial in helping you feel at ease about your past, present, and future. You can find a trustworthy professional easily by using an online directory based on their location and specialty.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Virtual Psychiatry

Talkiatry – Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment

Mindfulness

Mindfulness.com – Change your life by practicing mindfulness. In a few minutes a day, you can start developing mindfulness and meditation skills. Free Trial

Guided Psychedelic Journeys

Innerwell – Ketamine is a prescription medication that clinicians can prescribe off-label to treat trauma, depression, anxiety, and OCD. Innerwell pairs ketamine with support from licensed psychotherapists. Find out if you’re a good candidate: Take Online Assessment 

Choosing Therapy Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Talkiatry, Innerwell, and Mindfulness.com

For Further Reading

  • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – APA
  • What is Psychodynamic Therapy? – BACP
  • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – PsychDB

Repression Infographics

What is RepressionSIgns of RepressionHow is Repression treated and Dealt with in Therapy

4 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Garssen, B. (2007, December). Repression: Finding Our Way in the Maze of Concepts, Journal of Behavioral Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2080858/

     

  • APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Repression. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/repression

     

  • Institute of Clinical Hypnosis. (n.d.). Suppression and Repression – Defense Mechanism. Retrieved from https://www.instituteofclinicalhypnosis.com/psychotherapy-coaching/suppression-repression-defense-mechanisms/

  • American Psychological Association. (1995).Memories of Childhood Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma/memories

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Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD
  • What Is Repression?Definition
  • History of RepressionHistory
  • The Debate Over Repression & Repressed MemoriesDebate
  • Examples of RepressionExamples
  • Signs of RepressionSigns
  • Impact of RepressionImpacts
  • How Is Repression Treated & Dealt With in Therapy?Treatment
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Repression InfographicsInfographics
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