Final answer:
Repression is an unconscious defense mechanism that pushes unwanted memories or thoughts out of a person's conscious awareness. It occurs when a memory is too overwhelming to deal with and is kept hidden in the unconscious.
Step-by-step explanation:
In psychology, this process is known as repression. Repression is an unconscious defense mechanism where anxiety-causing memories or thoughts are pushed out of a person's conscious awareness. It occurs when a memory or thought is too overwhelming to deal with, leading the individual to repress or block it from their conscious mind. For example, imagine a person witnessing a traumatic event. The memory of that event may be repressed and kept hidden in the unconscious, as it is too distressing to consciously process. Over time, this repressed memory may manifest as symptoms such as anxiety or nightmares.