Is Repression Motivated Forgetting?
Motivated Forgetting
Motivated forgetting refers to the intentional or unintentional act of forgetting unwanted memories. It is considered a defense mechanism used to reduce anxiety or distress.
Suppression and Repression
Motivated forgetting can take two forms – suppression and repression. Suppression is a conscious form of forgetting, where individuals actively try to block or push away unwanted memories. Repression, on the other hand, is an unconscious form of forgetting, where painful or traumatic memories are pushed into the unconscious mind.
History of Motivated Forgetting
The concept of motivated forgetting has a long history, with early research conducted by neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot and continued by Sigmund Freud, Joseph Breuer, and Pierre Janet. Freud proposed that repression of memories, particularly related to sexual traumas, was a form of self-preservation.
Theories of Motivated Forgetting
There are several theories related to motivated forgetting. The motivated forgetting theory suggests that people forget things because they do not want to remember them or for other specific reasons. Other theories include the decay theory, interference theory, and the Gestalt theory of forgetting.
In conclusion, repression can be considered a form of motivated forgetting. Motivated forgetting encompasses both suppression, which is a conscious effort to forget unwanted memories, and repression, which involves the unconscious pushing of painful memories into the unconscious mind.
Sources:
- Verywell Mind. “Forgetting: 4 Reasons Why People Forget.” Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/explanations-for-forgetting-2795045.
- Wikipedia. “Motivated forgetting.” Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motivated_forgetting.
- Practical Psychology. “Motivated Forgetting (Examples!).” Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/motivated-forgetting/.
FAQs
What is motivated forgetting?
Motivated forgetting refers to the intentional or unintentional act of forgetting unwanted memories. It is considered a defense mechanism used to reduce anxiety or distress.
What is the difference between suppression and repression?
Suppression is a conscious form of forgetting, where individuals actively try to block or push away unwanted memories. Repression, on the other hand, is an unconscious form of forgetting, where painful or traumatic memories are pushed into the unconscious mind.
Can repression be considered a form of motivated forgetting?
Yes, repression can be considered a form of motivated forgetting. Motivated forgetting encompasses both suppression and repression, as they involve the intentional or unintentional act of forgetting unwanted memories.
How does motivated forgetting relate to defense mechanisms?
Motivated forgetting is considered a defense mechanism. Defense mechanisms are unconscious or conscious coping techniques used to reduce anxiety arising from unacceptable or potentially harmful impulses. Motivated forgetting serves as a way to cope with distressing memories and reduce associated anxiety.
What is the historical background of motivated forgetting?
Motivated forgetting has a long history in psychological research. Early research was conducted by neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot and continued by prominent figures such as Sigmund Freud, Joseph Breuer, and Pierre Janet. Freud proposed that repression of memories, particularly those related to sexual traumas, served as a form of self-preservation.
What are some theories related to motivated forgetting?
There are several theories related to motivated forgetting. The motivated forgetting theory suggests that people forget things because they consciously choose not to remember them or for other specific reasons. Other theories include the decay theory, interference theory, and the Gestalt theory of forgetting.
Can motivated forgetting be a conscious choice?
Yes, motivated forgetting can be a conscious choice. Suppression, which is a form of motivated forgetting, involves a conscious effort to block or push away unwanted memories.
Are there any real-life examples of motivated forgetting?
Yes, motivated forgetting can be observed in various situations. For example, individuals may consciously choose to forget traumatic events to protect their well-being and mental health. Additionally, people may suppress or repress memories associated with past failures or embarrassing moments to avoid experiencing negative emotions.