What describes the defense mechanism 'Repression'?

Repression is a defense mechanism that involves unconsciously blocking unpleasant or potentially distressing thoughts, feelings, or memories from awareness. This process can help individuals manage anxiety or stress by preventing these uncomfortable ideas from entering their conscious mind.

In this context, when someone experiences a traumatic event or has feelings that are difficult to cope with, they might unconsciously push those thoughts and feelings away, effectively placing them into the unconscious mind. This response is meant to reduce emotional turmoil, even though it may not resolve the underlying issues.

The other choices do not accurately describe repression. While openly expressing feelings can be a healthy way to cope with emotions, it is the opposite of what repression entails. Intentionally addressing uncomfortable thoughts is a conscious effort to confront those thoughts, which also contradicts the nature of repression. Lastly, enhancing self-awareness in students typically requires an exploration of their feelings and thoughts, not the avoidance or blocking of those experiences seen in repression.