Repression: What It Is & Its Place in Modern Psychology

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, and learning how to forget something on purpose, 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

“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, they may become sexually 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.

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.