What is Suppression as a Defence?
The Stream of Life, On the River of Life, Painting by Hugo Simberg, 1896
Suppression is considered one of the most mature and adaptive defence mechanisms within psychodynamic theory. It involves the conscious decision to postpone or set aside distressing thoughts, feelings, emotions or impulses in order to focus on more immediate tasks or responsibilities. Unlike repression, which operates unconsciously, suppression is intentional and on purpose. It shows a person’s ability to acknowledge internal conflict or discomfort without becoming overwhelmed by it, maintaining emotional control while preserving space to reflect later on or resolve things.
From a psychotherapeutic perspective, suppression serves as a healthy means of managing emotional distress. A patient may, for example, consciously decide not to dwell on painful memories or unresolved conflict while at work or during a crisis, returning to process those emotions in a more suitable setting. This ability to defer emotional processing allows for adaptive functioning without avoidance. In this sense, suppression supports balance, where it protects the individual from emotional overload while still allowing for eventual confrontation and understanding of the underlying issue.
George Vaillant’s hierarchy of defence mechanisms places suppression among the highest and most mature forms of psychological adaptation. He described it as a conscious strategy that enables individuals to meet life’s demands while maintaining self-awareness and emotional stability. Vaillant’s research found that people who frequently used mature defences such as suppression, sublimation, humour, etc. tended to experience better psychological wellbeing and stronger relationships. Suppression, in this context, represents emotional intelligence, which is the capacity to regulate affect without denial or distortion.
The Galata Tower by Moonlight, Painting by Ivan Aivazovsky, 1845
In therapy, suppression can be seen as both a strength and a potential barrier as it may serve the patient well in times of stress or transition, however, over-reliance on suppression can also delay emotional growth. The therapist’s role is to help the patient recognise when this defence is being used adaptively and when it may be preventing access to deeper emotional truths. Encouraging mindful reflection can shift suppression into a more conscious and constructive process of emotional regulation.
As a result, suppression demonstrates the human ability to manage inner tension with awareness and restraint and demonstrates the value of timing and self-control in emotional life by acknowledging that not every feeling must be expressed immediately, but that none should be denied. When integrated thoughtfully within psychotherapy, suppression becomes a way for resilience, and allows patients to navigate challenges while preserving their overall function and emotional wellbeing.