Final answer:
In Freudian psychology, repression is a defense mechanism where disturbing unconscious sexual and aggressive impulses are pushed into the unconscious mind to protect the individual from anxiety. These repressed impulses can indirectly influence behavior and manifest in dreams or Freudian slips. Defense mechanisms like repression and displacement are unconscious behaviors that aim to reduce anxiety but may lead to later emotional issues if overused.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the framework of Freudian psychoanalytic theory, repression is a defense mechanism where unconscious and disturbing sexual and aggressive impulses are kept out of conscious awareness. These impulses are considered unacceptable to the conscious mind and thus are pushed into the unconscious as a protective measure to reduce anxiety and prevent emotional turmoil. According to Freud, the unconscious is like an iceberg, with the greatest part—our repressed memories and desires—hidden from view, shaping our behavior and experiences subtly from beneath the surface.
An example of repression can be observed in an individual who has experienced a traumatic event. The overwhelming nature of the event might cause the memory to be repressed, removing it from the individual's conscious recall. However, this repressed memory can manifest in other ways, such as in dreams or through Freudian slips, where a person might accidentally reveal a repressed impulse through an unintended word or action.
Displacement is another defense mechanism wherein a person transfers inappropriate urges onto a more acceptable or less threatening target. For instance, someone might redirect feelings of anger towards a colleague to a less risky object, such as a punching bag. While defense mechanisms like repression and displacement can help manage short-term anxiety, Freud believed that their overuse might lead to unhappiness and feelings of alienation later in life.