Want To Be Like Scarlett OHara? Use Supression as a Defense Mechanism!
March 17, 2008 7:34 am CopingNow that I have wetted your appetite for information on defense mechanisms lets talk about supression.
Supression is a theoretical concept based on the work of Freud. It is a common way of coping with anxiety and crises for some people. Scarlett OHara, the heroine of Gone with the Wind is a prime example of someone who uses suppression as a defense mechanism. There are multiple examples of this throughout the movie, as she consciously pushes away thoughts that cause psychological discomfort and anxiety. As the movie shows this is a technique that sometimes works well, while at other times does not.
The best example of suppression I know, is uttered by Scarlett in the last scene of the movie. Because she cannot fact the prospect of Rhett leaving her, she says “I will think about it tomorrow, I will think about it tomorrow at Tara”.
Suppression, can be helpful for the short term, but of course you can’t put off thinking about important things indefinitely without serious conquences.
Thoughts on Supression
- Supression may be helpful for the short term. It is a quick fix that allows you to act on another critical matter.
- Supression may seem effective at first, but the unwanted thoughts will keep popping back into your mind.
- Supression uses a lot of psychological energy.
- Supression avoids problem solving about the real issue.
- To solve the real problem you must let yourself think about the unthinkable.
