represión

Represión refers to the act of suppressing or restraining something, often an undesirable emotion, memory, or impulse. In psychology, it is a defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously pushes unwanted thoughts or feelings out of their conscious awareness to reduce anxiety. This process is not a deliberate choice but an automatic mental function.

While repression can temporarily alleviate distress, it can also have long-term consequences. The repressed material does not disappear but remains in the unconscious mind, potentially influencing behavior, emotions, and physical health in indirect ways. Symptoms associated with repressed issues can include anxiety, depression, phobias, and unexplained physical ailments.

The concept of repression was notably explored by Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. He viewed it as a fundamental mechanism in the development of neuroses. Psychoanalytic therapy often aims to bring repressed material back into conscious awareness, allowing individuals to confront and process these buried experiences. Understanding repression is key to exploring the dynamics of the human psyche and the origins of certain psychological difficulties.