The Return of the Repressed

Sigmund Freud created the term "The Return Of The Repressed" to explain bad thoughts and memories which are put into the unconscious part of the brain. These then tend to reappear in behaviour which could relate to horror films by characters having a flashback to an unpleasant experience, adding to tension. The opposite to this is wishes and fantasies put in to the consious part of the brain where they are supposed to be remembered. Repression is now considered a defense mechanism.