primary repression

in psychoanalytic theory, the first phase of repression, in which ideas associated with instinctual wishes are screened out and prevented from becoming conscious. Primary repression contrasts with repression proper, in which the repressed material has already been in the realm of consciousness. Also called primal repression.

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Psychology term of the day

November 17th 2024

hypocathexis

n. in psychoanalytic theory, an abnormally low investment of psychic energy in an object. Compare hypercathexis. See cathexis.