What does repression specifically refer to in Freud's theory?

In Freud's theory, repression specifically refers to the mental process of burying distressing thoughts, memories, or desires in the unconscious mind. This defense mechanism is utilized to protect the individual from experiencing anxiety and emotional distress associated with these unacceptable thoughts. Repression serves as a way to keep troubling emotions and experiences out of conscious awareness, allowing individuals to function without being overwhelmed by these feelings.

By placing these thoughts in the unconscious, a person may avoid confronting painful realities but can still experience the effects of these repressed emotions unconsciously. This concept is central to Freud's understanding of how the mind works and is fundamental to psychoanalytic therapy, where the aim is often to bring repressed thoughts into conscious awareness, allowing for insight and resolution.