What is the role of 'Repression' in defense mechanisms?

Repression plays a critical role in managing emotional distress and anxiety. It involves the unconscious suppression of memories, thoughts, or feelings that are associated with stress or trauma. This mechanism enables individuals to protect themselves from overwhelming emotions and the symptoms of psychological distress by keeping such troubling memories out of conscious awareness.

When someone experiences a highly stressful or traumatic event, they may not be ready to face the reality of that situation. By repressing these memories, the individual may avoid the immediate discomfort and distress that comes with acknowledging them. However, it's important to recognize that repression does not eliminate the memory; it simply keeps it in the unconscious mind, which can lead to other psychological issues if not addressed.

The other options provided involve different mechanisms of coping or defensive behavior, but they do not accurately describe repression. Amplifying unpleasant feelings or denying reality completely speaks to other forms of defense, and projecting one’s feelings onto others refers to the mechanism of projection, rather than repression.