Screen Memory (Cover Memory)
Screen memory, also known as cover memory, is a psychoanalytic term for a mental process in which a person unconsciously replaces a traumatic or unpleasant memory with a less disturbing substitute. The concept was first described by Sigmund Freud in 1895, and has since been used by psychoanalysts to explain the ways in which people can cope with traumatic experiences. This article will discuss the definition, history, and implications of screen memory.
Definition
Screen memory is defined as a mental process in which a person replaces a traumatic or unpleasant memory with a less distressing substitute. This type of memory serves as a protective mechanism, as it shields the individual from the psychological distress of the original event. It is believed to be an unconscious process, in which the individual’s conscious mind is unaware of the substitution.
History
Screen memory was first described by Sigmund Freud in 1895. Freud believed that screen memories were a form of repression, in which an individual unconsciously replaces a traumatic memory with a more pleasant or less threatening one. Since then, the concept has been used by psychoanalysts as a way to explain why some people have difficulty recalling specific traumatic events.
Implications
Screen memory can be a helpful tool for those who have experienced trauma, as it helps to protect them from the psychological distress of the event. However, it can also be problematic, as it can prevent the individual from fully processing the traumatic experience. This can lead to a number of psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Further Reading
Barrett, M.D., & Salters-Pedneault, K. (2020). Screen Memory and its Role in Trauma Processing. Clinical Psychology Review, 78, 101823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101823
Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: Exposure to corrective information. Psychological Bulletin, 99(1), 20-35. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.99.1.20
Freud, S. (1895). On Screen Memories. The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Vol. 3 (1893-1899): Early Psycho-Analytic Publications, 301-322. doi: 10.1037/11059-001
Kurtz, J. (1995). Screen Memory and Repression: A Reevaluation. The Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 64(3), 441–456. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2167-4086.1995.tb01608.x