Glossary / Lexicon

In psychology, negation refers to a mental process in which an individual denies or rejects a thought, feeling, or perception. This process can occur consciously or unconsciously and is often used as a defense mechanism to protect the individual from uncomfortable or distressing thoughts or emotions. Negation can manifest in a variety of ways, including denial, repression, suppression, and avoidance..

Denial is perhaps the most well-known form of negation. It involves the outright refusal to acknowledge a thought, feeling, or event that is too difficult to accept. For example, a person may deny the reality of a serious illness or traumatic event in order to avoid the associated emotional pain.

Repression involves pushing unwanted or unacceptable thoughts or emotions into the unconscious mind. These thoughts and emotions may resurface later in the form of anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms. For example, a person who has experienced sexual abuse as a child may repress the memory of the abuse and only become aware of it later in life.

Suppression is a more conscious form of negation, in which an individual actively tries to suppress or ignore unwanted thoughts or emotions. This can be a useful coping mechanism in the short-term, but can lead to increased emotional distress in the long-term if the individual does not address the underlying issues.

Avoidance is another form of negation, in which an individual avoids situations or experiences that are associated with uncomfortable thoughts or emotions. This can be a helpful coping mechanism in some situations, but can also lead to social isolation and other negative outcomes if taken to an extreme.

Negation can also occur in language and communication. In language, negation refers to the use of negative words or phrases to express a lack of something. For example, saying "I don't feel sad" is a form of negation. In communication, negation can take the form of contradicting or rejecting someone else's statements or ideas.

In some cases, negation can be a healthy coping mechanism. For example, a person may use negation to cope with the loss of a loved one by focusing on positive memories rather than dwelling on the sadness of the situation. However, if used excessively or inappropriately, negation can lead to problems such as emotional numbness, avoidance, and social isolation.

Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy can be helpful for individuals who struggle with negation. CBT can help individuals recognize and challenge negative thought patterns, while psychodynamic therapy can help individuals explore and process unconscious thoughts and emotions.

In summary, negation is a mental process in which an individual denies or rejects a thought, feeling, or perception. It can manifest in a variety of ways, including denial, repression, suppression, and avoidance. While it can be a helpful coping mechanism in some situations, excessive or inappropriate negation can lead to emotional distress and social isolation. Therapies such as CBT and psychodynamic therapy can be helpful for individuals who struggle with negation.