Final answer:
John's act of unintentionally forgetting an unpleasant memory after a fight with his boss is an example of the defense mechanism known as repression.
Step-by-step explanation:
John's inadvertent act of suppressing the distressing memory reflects a psychological defense mechanism identified as repression. In the realm of psychology, repression operates as a defense mechanism characterized by the unconscious expulsion of overwhelming and anxiety-inducing memories from conscious awareness. This mechanism serves as a mental safeguard, akin to turning up the volume on a radio to drown out the disconcerting noise of an unresolved car issue one cannot afford to address immediately.
Much like tuning out undesirable sounds, repression involves the mind's attempt to distance itself from distressing memories, relegating them to the depths of the unconscious. The comparison to a car problem underscores the practicality of repression, as individuals may choose to momentarily silence or overlook unsettling thoughts to navigate the challenges of daily life.
The process of repression, however, is not without consequences. Over time, the suppressed memories may undergo a transformative journey, gradually fading and becoming less accessible. This fading can contribute to a diminishing impact on one's conscious thoughts and emotions. The analogy of turning down the volume on a distressing memory, while effective in the short term, highlights the nuanced dynamics of repression and its implications for memory recollection and emotional well-being over an extended period.