Question

Tipi's therapist notices that Tipi changes the topic whenever her mother is brought up. Additionally, when her mother is brought up, Tipi is always late to her next therapy session. Tipi is demonstrating the phenomenon Freud labeled _____.

a) Repression.
b) Transference.
c) Resistance.
d) Denial.

Answer 1

Freud labeled the phenomenon that Tipi is demonstrating as Resistance, which is a defense mechanism in which a person avoids discussing or confronting uncomfortable or painful thoughts, memories, or feelings.

Step-by-step explanation:

Freud's characterization of Tipi's behavior as resistance aligns with his conceptualization of this defense mechanism. Resistance, within psychoanalytic theory, refers to the subconscious avoidance or obstruction of discussions related to uncomfortable or distressing thoughts, memories, or emotions. Tipi's consistent actions, such as changing the topic and being consistently late to therapy sessions when her mother is discussed, exemplify resistance.

These behaviors serve as subconscious efforts to shield herself from addressing potentially distressing aspects of her relationship with her mother. Freud considered resistance a significant aspect of psychoanalysis, viewing it as a means by which the unconscious mind protects itself from exploring challenging or painful psychological material. Recognizing and addressing resistance in therapy can be crucial for delving deeper into underlying issues and facilitating the therapeutic process.