Social Work Exam Practice Test 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

The term that describes the process of recalling a previously forgotten painful experience that leads to an emotional release is catharsis. This concept is rooted in psychological theory, where the act of expressing emotions or recalling distressing memories helps individuals process and relieve pent-up emotions or psychological tension. In therapeutic settings, moments of catharsis can facilitate healing and promote a greater understanding of one’s feelings and behaviors.

The other options do not align with this specific process. Motivation refers to the reasons behind an individual’s actions or behaviors, while cathexis involves the investment of mental or emotional energy in a person, object, or idea. Transference, on the other hand, describes the redirection of feelings and emotions from one person to another, often in the therapeutic relationship. Thus, catharsis distinctively encapsulates the idea of emotional release through the recollection of painful experiences.