Suppression differs from repression in that which is automatic or involuntary?

• A. Repression is automatic or involuntary
• B. They are the same process
• C. Repression is automatic or involuntary
• D. Suppression involves projection

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how these two defense mechanisms differ in control. Repression operates automatically, pushing distressing thoughts or impulses out of conscious awareness without deliberate effort. It’s an involuntary process the mind uses to shield you, often without you even realizing it’s happening. Suppression, on the other hand, is a conscious, voluntary act—you intentionally decide to avoid thinking about something or to put it aside for a while.

So, the reason repression is the correct answer here is that its defining feature is automaticity. It happens without you choosing it, which is exactly what sets it apart from suppression. The other ideas don’t fit because suppression is not automatic (it’s deliberate), and the two are not the same process; projecting or other defense mechanisms aren’t the primary distinction in this item.