REPRESSES FEELINGS Meaning and
Definition
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Repressing feelings refers to the act of intentionally suppressing or inhibiting emotions, typically negative or uncomfortable ones, from being expressed or acknowledged outwardly. It involves exerting conscious control over emotional responses, often with the aim of avoiding confrontation, maintaining social norms, or managing personal distress.
When an individual represses their feelings, they deliberately push negative emotions, such as anger, sadness, fear, or frustration, deep within their subconscious rather than allowing them to surface and be appropriately expressed. This can lead to a sense of emotional numbness or a disconnection from one's true feelings.
Repressing feelings can occur as a defense mechanism to cope with perceived threats to psychological well-being. Individuals may have learned this coping mechanism as a result of societal or cultural expectations that discourage the open expression of certain emotions. However, while repression may temporarily alleviate immediate discomfort, it tends to have long-term consequences, potentially resulting in psychological distress, relationship challenges, or even physical health issues.
It is important to note that repressing feelings should not be mistaken for emotional regulation or self-control, which involve managing emotions in healthy and constructive ways. Repression implies a deliberate avoidance or denial of emotions rather than acknowledging and processing them in a healthy manner.
Overall, repressing feelings involves suppressing and burying emotions deep within, which can have adverse effects on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Common Misspellings for REPRESSES FEELINGS
Etymology of REPRESSES FEELINGS
The etymology of the phrase "represses feelings" can be understood by examining the origins of the individual words.
1. Represses: The word "repress" can be traced back to the Latin word "reprimere", which is a combination of the prefix "re-" (meaning "back" or "again") and the verb "primere" (meaning "to press"). In Latin, "reprimere" specifically referred to the act of pressing something back or restraining it. Over time, the word "repress" evolved in English to carry the meaning of suppressing or holding back emotions, thoughts, or desires.
2. Feelings: The term "feelings" originates from the Old English word "felan", which essentially meant "to touch" or "to perceive by touch". In Old English and Middle English, the word "feelings" was primarily associated with physical sensations.
