US High School Psychology Practice Exam

Which defense mechanism involves pushing unpleasant thoughts into the unconscious?

1. Regulation

2. Projection

3. Repression

4. Denial

The correct answer is: Repression

Repression is a defense mechanism that involves unconsciously blocking out or pushing unpleasant thoughts, feelings, or memories from conscious awareness. This psychological process helps individuals avoid dealing with uncomfortable emotions or experiences, thereby reducing anxiety and distress. For example, a person who has experienced a traumatic event may find that they cannot recall the details of that event, as it has been repressed into the unconscious mind. This mechanism operates automatically and without the individual’s awareness, allowing them to function without being constantly reminded of those distressing thoughts. In contrast to repression, other defense mechanisms serve different purposes. For instance, denial involves refusing to accept reality or facts about certain situations, rather than pushing them into the unconscious. Projection refers to attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else, while regulation is not typically classified as a defense mechanism in psychological terms. Understanding repression as a means of safeguarding the psyche from unwanted emotional turmoil is crucial in applying this concept in psychological contexts.