Repress vs. Suppress

Attribute	Repress	Suppress
Definition	To hold back or restrain	To put an end to something by force
Emotional impact	Often associated with psychological or emotional suppression	Can be more immediate and forceful
Psychological implications	May involve pushing down or burying feelings	May involve actively preventing or stopping something
Consequences	May lead to unresolved issues or psychological problems	May lead to immediate cessation of an action or behavior

When it comes to dealing with emotions or thoughts that we find uncomfortable or unwanted, two common strategies that people often employ are repression and suppression. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to distinct psychological processes with different implications. In this article, we will explore the attributes of repress and suppress, highlighting their differences and similarities.

Definition

Repression is a defense mechanism that involves pushing unwanted thoughts or memories into the unconscious mind. This process occurs automatically and is often unconscious, meaning that the individual may not be aware that they are repressing certain thoughts or emotions. On the other hand, suppression is a conscious effort to push unwanted thoughts or emotions out of awareness. Unlike repression, suppression involves a deliberate choice to avoid thinking about or acknowledging certain thoughts or feelings.

Process

When someone represses a thought or memory, it is typically because it is too painful or distressing to confront. The individual may bury these thoughts deep within their unconscious mind in order to protect themselves from experiencing the associated emotions. In contrast, suppression involves a more active process of pushing unwanted thoughts or emotions out of awareness. This may involve distracting oneself with other activities or consciously choosing not to dwell on the unwanted thoughts.

Effects

Repression can have long-term consequences on an individual's mental health. By burying painful emotions or memories, the individual may experience difficulties in forming healthy relationships or coping with stress. Repressed emotions may also manifest in physical symptoms such as anxiety or depression. On the other hand, suppression may provide temporary relief from unwanted thoughts or emotions. However, this strategy is not sustainable in the long run and may lead to increased stress or anxiety over time.

Psychological Impact

Repression is often associated with Freudian psychoanalytic theory, which posits that repressed thoughts or emotions can resurface in harmful ways if not properly addressed. These repressed feelings may manifest in dreams, slips of the tongue, or other unconscious behaviors. In contrast, suppression is a more conscious process that allows individuals to actively choose which thoughts or emotions to focus on. While suppression may provide temporary relief, it does not address the underlying issues that are causing distress.

Coping Mechanisms

Individuals who repress their emotions may benefit from therapy or other forms of psychological intervention to help them process and address their repressed feelings. By bringing these emotions to the surface, individuals can work through them in a healthy way and prevent them from causing further harm. On the other hand, individuals who suppress their emotions may benefit from mindfulness techniques or stress management strategies to help them cope with unwanted thoughts or feelings in a more constructive manner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, repression and suppression are two distinct psychological processes that individuals may use to cope with unwanted thoughts or emotions. While repression involves pushing unwanted thoughts into the unconscious mind, suppression involves a conscious effort to avoid thinking about or acknowledging these thoughts. Both strategies have their own implications and consequences, and individuals may benefit from seeking professional help to address underlying issues that may be causing distress.