Repression

repression, in psychology: see defense mechanism; psychoanalysis.

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repression

In metabolism, a control mechanism by which a protein molecule, called a repressor, prevents the synthesis of an enzyme by binding to (and thus hindering the action of) the DNA that controls the enzyme's synthesis. Though the process has been studied mainly in microorganisms, it is believed to occur in a similar way in higher organisms. See also inhibition.

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repression

In psychoanalytic theory, the exclusion of distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings from the conscious mind. Often involving sexual or aggressive urges or painful childhood memories, these unwanted mental contents are pushed into the unconscious mind. Repression is thought to give rise to anxiety and to neurotic symptoms, which begin when a forbidden drive or impulse threatens to enter the conscious mind. Psychoanalysis seeks to uncover repressed memories and feelings through free association as well as to examine the repressed wishes released in dreams. See also unconscious.

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repression [ri′presh·ən]

(biochemistry)

The termination of enzyme synthesis when the products of the reaction catalyzed by the enzyme reach a critical concentration.

(cell and molecular biology)

Inhibition of transcription or translation due to binding of a repressor to an operator on a deoxyribonucleic acid molecule or to a specific messenger ribonucleic acid site.

(psychology)

A defense mechanism whereby ideas, feelings, or desires, in conflict with the individual's conscious self-image or motives, are unconsciously dismissed from consciousness.

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Repression 

a defense mechanism of the psyche consisting of the expulsion from the consciousness of experiences— drives and impulses—as well as their derivatives, such as emotions and memories, which are unacceptable to the conscious “I” (ego). The concept of repression is fundamental in psychoanalysis and outside this area has no special psychological importance.

Repressed material is forgotten by the individual but retains its inherent drive (cathexis of psychic energy) in the unconscious. In striving to return to consciousness, a re-pressed element may become associated with other repressed material thereby forming psychological complexes. The ego constantly expends energy to keep back the repressed material. A breakdown of the dynamic equilibrium resulting from a weakening of the defense mechanisms—anticathexes—may lead to a return of the repressed element. Such instances may be observed during illness, intoxication (for example, alcoholic), and sleep. Direct repression, connected with a psychological shock, may lead to severe traumatic neuroses; incomplete or unsuccessful repression may bring about the development of neurotic symptoms. In contrast, the complete dissolution and disappearance of a repressed impulse takes place only in rare cases of complete sublimation.

Among psychoanalysts there is no one accepted opinion as to the place of repression among other defense mechanisms. The initial concept of repression as the principal and universal psychic mechanism is now yielding to the view that repression becomes operative only after the failure of other mechanisms, such as projection, isolation, and reaction formation. Today most psychoanalysts are inclined to regard fear, with which the ego reacts in the face of danger, as the cause of repression.

The concept of repression was applied in the field of ethnology by B. Malinowski (Great Britain).

REFERENCES

Freud, S. “Vytesnenie.” In Osnovnye psikhologicheskie teorii v psikhoanalize. Moscow-Petrograd, 1923. Pages 90-102. (Translated from German.)
Malinowski, B. Sex and Repression in Savage Society. London, 1927.
Freud, A. The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense. New York, 1946.
Madison, P. “Freud’s Repression Concept.” International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 1956, vol. 37, part 1. Pages 75-81.
Brenner, C. “The Nature and Development of the Concept of Repression in Freud’s Writings.” Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, 1957, vol. 12. Pages 19-46.

D. N. LIALIKOV