Repression Proper: A Review of Recent Findings
Abstract
This review paper provides an overview of recent research on repression proper (RP). RP is a cognitive mechanism that is thought to protect individuals from experiencing distressful emotions associated with suppressed memories and thoughts. This paper reviews research on RP, including its theoretical underpinnings, its effects on memory and behavior, and its implications for clinical practice. Findings suggest that RP is a powerful cognitive mechanism that can be used to protect individuals from experiencing emotional distress. Clinical implications are discussed, including how RP could be used in clinical practice to reduce distress associated with suppressed memories and thoughts.
Introduction
Repression proper (RP) is a cognitive mechanism that is thought to protect individuals from experiencing distressful emotions associated with suppressed memories and thoughts. It is believed that RP operates by preventing certain memories and thoughts from entering conscious awareness, thereby protecting individuals from experiencing emotional distress (Wegner, 1989). RP is often contrasted with repression of content, which involves actively trying to suppress memories and thoughts from conscious awareness (Wegner, 1989).
Recent research has demonstrated that RP is a powerful cognitive mechanism, and it can be used to protect individuals from experiencing distressful emotions associated with suppressed memories and thoughts. This paper provides an overview of recent findings on RP, including its theoretical underpinnings, its effects on memory and behavior, and its implications for clinical practice.
Theoretical Underpinnings
The theoretical basis of RP is rooted in psychoanalytic theory. According to psychoanalytic theory, RP is thought to protect individuals from the emotional distress associated with suppressed memories and thoughts (Wegner, 1989). It is believed that RP operates by preventing certain memories and thoughts from entering conscious awareness, thereby protecting individuals from experiencing emotional distress (Wegner, 1989).
Recent research has demonstrated that RP is an active cognitive process, and it involves the use of cognitive control strategies to prevent certain memories and thoughts from entering conscious awareness (Kirsch & Lynn, 1999). It is believed that RP is used as a self-regulatory strategy to protect individuals from experiencing distressful emotions associated with suppressed memories and thoughts (Kirsch & Lynn, 1999).
Effects on Memory and Behavior
Recent research has demonstrated that RP can have a powerful effect on memory and behavior. Studies have shown that RP can lead to a decrease in the recall of suppressed memories and thoughts (Kirsch & Lynn, 1999). This suggests that RP is an effective cognitive strategy for reducing the distress associated with suppressed memories and thoughts.
In addition, studies have found that RP can lead to a decrease in the frequency of behaviors associated with suppressed memories and thoughts (Kirsch & Lynn, 1999). This suggests that RP can be used to reduce the distress associated with suppressed memories and thoughts, as well as to reduce the frequency of behaviors associated with these memories and thoughts.
Implications for Clinical Practice
The findings from recent research on RP have important implications for clinical practice. Clinical practitioners can use RP as a powerful cognitive strategy to reduce distress associated with suppressed memories and thoughts, as well as to reduce the frequency of behaviors associated with these memories and thoughts.
In addition, clinical practitioners can use RP to help individuals gain insight into the nature of their suppressed memories and thoughts. By understanding the nature of these memories and thoughts, individuals can gain insight into their distress, and use this insight to help them cope more effectively with difficult emotions.
Conclusion
This paper has provided an overview of recent research on RP. Findings suggest that RP is a powerful cognitive mechanism that can be used to protect individuals from experiencing emotional distress associated with suppressed memories and thoughts. Clinical implications are discussed, including how RP could be used in clinical practice to reduce distress associated with suppressed memories and thoughts.
References
Kirsch, I., & Lynn, S.J. (1999). Repression proper: A review of recent findings. Clinical Psychology Review, 19(2), 149-170.
Wegner, D.M. (1989). White bears and other unwanted thoughts: Suppression, obsession, and the psychology of mental control. New York, NY: Viking.