What does repression involve in terms of memory?

Repression is a defense mechanism that operates by keeping disturbing thoughts, memories, or feelings out of conscious awareness. In the context of memory, it specifically involves a lack of recall of emotionally painful memories. This means that individuals may not be able to remember certain traumatic experiences or distressing emotions because these memories are unconsciously blocked from entering conscious thought.

While repression may result in an individual being unaware of certain memories, it does not negate the possibility that these memories can still influence behavior or emotional responses without the person's awareness. This concept is rooted in psychoanalytic theory and posits that repression serves as a coping mechanism to protect individuals from psychological pain.

Understanding repression in this way clarifies its role in managing negative emotions and memories, differentiating it from other psychological concepts such as projection or denial, which involve different mechanisms of dealing with discomforting thoughts or feelings.