Suppression: Finding Our Trail in the Labyrinth of Theories - Essay Example

Repression: Finding Our Way in the Maze of Concepts Student’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Course Code: Date of Submission: Overview of the article The article is the work of Bert Garssen and it’s about repression. The intention of the article is to try and find the way in the maze of different concepts that are related to repression. The work was accepted and published online in 2007. The essay in the article has discussed repression in detail and giving different concepts that are considered by many researchers to be synonymous with the concept. The article in particular has paid attention to such key words as defensiveness, emotional control, restraint, self-deception, type C, Denial and alexithymia (Bert, 2007). Purpose of this evaluation The work of this evaluation is to take a critical look of the various arguments that have been presented in the article “Repression: Finding Our Way in the Maze of Concepts” in order to determine the relevance and the standard of the article in discussing the concept. Summary of the arguments presented in the article Different arguments in relation to the concept of repression have been presented by Bert Garssen. The major arguments that are clear in the article include: 1. The first argument in the article is that the term ‘non-expression of negative emotions’ can synonymously be used with the term repression. This is to mean that those individuals, who portray non-expression, can also be termed as repressors and are known to focusing only on expressive behaviors. According to Garssen, non-expression of negative emotions refers to the act of inhibiting both one’s experiences as well as behaviours. In this case, negative emotions are always restricted and cannot easily be expressed for realization by others (Bert, 2007). Further, non-expression or rather repression takes place when negative aspects of an individual are downplayed as opposed positive ones. In other words, memory deficit exist for real live situations that are negative and not for those that are considered positive. 2. The other argument that is clear in the article is the one about presenting repression either as positive or negative concept. According to the author, repression can either be positive or negative. Perhaps this is because while in some situations some statements can be a bother to others, some can be very positive and encouraging. However, this could not be so constructive in establishing long term and stable relationships. This is because with repression, negative images about an individual are likely to be kept silent and which in the long run can lead to avoidance in some important issues especially medical attention. What this implies therefore is that repression can only be positive in short term reliefs but in the long run could adversely on the livelihood of an individual (Bert, 2007). 3. In the article, there is also the statement that repression which is the tendency by a person to inhibit the experience, behavior or unpleasant feelings, is aimed at protecting one’s positive image from any form of threat from externally. The author has given the example of person who is highly sociable, encouraging and cheerful as one who can be termed as a repressor. This is because the person will always avoid as much as he can to demonstrate that he is not faced with any negative issue. The author has also gone a step further to illustrate the person with repression tendency as someone who could very fast withdraw from a situation or discussion where certain subjects that are likely to influence on his anxiety and sadness and even worry for fear of losing control. 4. Finally, according to Garssen which is a concept that many people tend to confuse with repression, is a broader and wide concept than repression itself. This is because defensiveness is concerned with different strategies that are employed by an individual to protect oneself from any psychological hurt. One important strategy shown in the defensiveness is either by trying to behave more or less anxiously (Bert, 2007). This is purposely to try and be socially acceptable so as not be hurt and also face any kind of confrontation. Perhaps, it is because of this feature of defensiveness that makes it different and more comprehensive than repression. However, this may not apply across different individuals as every person is likely to have his own way of behaving and defending negative aspects other than showing a certain level of anxiousness. Issues for critique Article’s theoretical coherence Despite the article having covered different aspects of repression and related concepts, it is important to note that the flow of the content especially on the connection from one point to another is the major area of weakness by the author. A number of examples can are evident in the article to illustrate different disconnects between the various points and concepts (Bert, 2007). First and foremost, the abstract which is expected to brief summary of what the article will cover, is so large and so confusing for covering a lot of detailed information which should otherwise would be in given in small precise and simple paragraphs. Next, after giving the conceptual network, it will have been better for the author to explain a bit on different variables something that has not been done. While in the right track in discussing important concepts like repression and defensiveness, the article has not been so clear on how each concept connects with one another. Finally, the author has discussed numerous concepts and ideas. This to my own view is confusing for a junior reader. Strengths and weaknesses of the arguments Strengths First and most important about the arguments that have been presented in the article is that author has done extensive research on what other authors have said on the concept under discussion and other are related aspects. This has strategy in building the background and arguments. Further, the author has also tried to integrate knowledge gained from different readings. Weakness Use of highly complex language is what makes the article more disadvantaged because of the vocabulary that the reader has used which are difficult to comprehend to some extent (Bert, 2007). The other major weakness with the article and the arguments presented therein is the heavy reliance on theories provided by other authors without referring to quantitative data. This to some extent, this discredits the validity of the arguments given that theory alone does not build strong arguments. Recommendation for further improvement In order to help on the arguments and the quality of the essay the following recommendations have been proposed: 1. Use as less number of concepts and aspects in discussing the topic. This will in a great deal to be precise, clear and factual in explaining different points. 2. The author should also need to establish different ways of developing appropriate structures of writing the essay so as to help build on the flow of different ideas for easy understanding by the reader. 3. Further, there is also need to try and look for both qualitative and quantitative data in building on the arguments. 4. Finally, it is important to note that while writing on a very important topic like this one, there is need to revise some statements to make sure no duplication of certain points something that may be very boring to the reader. Constructive comments For building constructive arguments, it is very important to enhance creativity by giving practical examples so as to make the article more attractive and interesting to read. This way, the author will be able to understand the ideas in great depths. Finally, it is advisable that consideration of who the intended audience is be given the importance it deserves. This is because use of difficult and numerous vocabularies may hinder communication of important points by the author especially when the audience’s language of use is not similar. Reference Bert, G. (2007). Repression: Finding Our Way in the Maze of Concepts, Journal of Behav Med, 30, 471–481, DOI 10.1007/s10865-007-9122-7. Read More