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The social psychology of cognitive repression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 December 2006

Jennifer J. Freyd*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, 1227 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR97403–1227http://dynamic.uoregon.edu/

Abstract:

Erdelyi identifies cognitive and emotional motives for repression, but largely neglects social motivations. Yet social pressure to not know, and implicit needs to isolate awareness in order to protect relationships, are common motives. Social motives may even trump emotional motives; the most painful events are sometimes the most difficult to repress. Cognitive repression may be impacted by social information sharing.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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References

Note

1. The words “repress” and “repression” are contested and often avoided, but in this context I follow Erdelyi's target article, which is defining and reclaiming these words.