What defense mechanism involves transferring painful ideas or feelings into the subconscious?

The defense mechanism of repression is characterized by the unconscious blocking of unpleasant thoughts, feelings, or memories from awareness. This process occurs automatically and involuntarily, allowing individuals to avoid confronting painful emotions or experiences. In essence, repression acts as a shield, protecting a person’s conscious mind from anxiety or distress that might arise if they were to acknowledge these uncomfortable thoughts or feelings.

Repression is significant in understanding how individuals cope with trauma or stress, as it can prevent immediate psychological pain but may lead to negative effects later if unresolved issues resurface. While other mechanisms like suppression involve conscious effort to forget or ignore distressing thoughts, repression does so without the individual being fully aware of it, making it a deeper form of defense.