Which of the following best describes the process where unwanted thoughts are pushed into the unconscious?

The process where unwanted thoughts are pushed into the unconscious is known as repression. This psychological defense mechanism involves unconsciously blocking out thoughts, memories, and feelings that are too painful or distressing to cope with consciously. By relegating these unwanted thoughts to the unconscious mind, an individual can continue functioning without the constant reminder of their distressing content.

Repression plays a crucial role in psychoanalytic theories and is considered a way for individuals to protect themselves from psychological harm. For instance, a person who has experienced a traumatic event may not remember specific details of the event, as their mind has repressed it to prevent emotional distress or anxiety.

In contrast, rationalization involves justifying unacceptable actions or thoughts with logical reasons to avoid confronting the real issue. The phi phenomenon refers to an optical illusion related to motion perception, and transference involves the redirection of feelings and desires from one person to another, often in a therapeutic context. These processes do not specifically address the mechanism of pushing unwanted thoughts into the unconscious, distinguishing repression as the most fitting description.