7.16 : Repressed Memory

Repressed memories are a psychological phenomenon where memories of traumatic events are unconsciously blocked from a person's awareness. This process occurs as a defense mechanism, protecting the mind from the emotional impact of distressing or painful experiences. For example, a person who has experienced childhood trauma may grow up with no conscious recollection of the event. In such cases, the memories are thought to be buried deep within the subconscious, inaccessible to the conscious mind. This allows individuals to function without the constant pain of reliving the trauma.

Repression can be considered a specific form of motivated forgetting, where the mind deliberately pushes away thoughts or memories that are too painful or anxiety-inducing to recall. This form of forgetting is particularly evident in people who have experienced significant emotional trauma. Victims of physical abuse, war veterans, and survivors of natural disasters such as earthquakes or artificial tragedies like plane crashes often report having gaps in their memory about the traumatic events. The overwhelming stress and fear associated with these experiences may cause the brain to block out or forget the details as a way of coping with the intense emotions.

Motivated forgetting is not limited to those who have experienced severe trauma. Even in less extreme cases, people may forget or suppress memories of painful, stressful, or otherwise unpleasant experiences. For example, someone might forget the details of a tense confrontation with a colleague or the specifics of a medical procedure that caused significant anxiety. In this way, the mind seeks to protect itself from emotional distress by keeping the distressing memories at bay.

While repression can help maintain short-term emotional stability, the long-term effects of repressed memories can be complex, and may require therapeutic intervention to address underlying issues.