Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Unconscious memories refer to memories that are not readily accessible to our conscious awareness, but still influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They are stored deep within our minds and can impact us without us even realizing it.
Repression is a defense mechanism that pushes distressing or threatening thoughts and memories into the unconscious mind in order to protect oneself from emotional pain.
Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach developed by Sigmund Freud that aims to bring repressed thoughts and feelings into conscious awareness through techniques such as free association and dream analysis.
Subliminal Perception: Subliminal perception refers to the processing of information below the level of conscious awareness. It involves receiving stimuli without consciously perceiving them, which can influence behavior without us being aware of it.