What is the conscious and deliberate process of trying to forget something often by distraction?

The conscious and deliberate process of trying to forget something by using distraction is known as suppression. This involves intentionally pushing unwanted thoughts, memories, or feelings out of one's mind in order to avoid dealing with them directly. Unlike repression, which is an unconscious mechanism that involves burying distressing experiences in the subconscious, suppression is a voluntary action where individuals actively try to manage their thoughts and emotions.

For instance, someone may choose to suppress painful memories by engaging in enjoyable activities or focusing on work, thereby distracting themselves from the distressing thoughts. This method can be viewed as a coping strategy, although it may not address the underlying issues.