Memories And The Subconscious

(Anonymous)

Hypothetical situation: A student is is asked to read and analyze a piece of literature for a class. However, there is a strong chance that the student will have difficulty concentrating.



This is due to the fact that this particular literary work reminds him of his father, with whom he had a close relationship with and who also has unfortunately passed away.

But as he's reading the text, the student recalls several somewhat negative memories about his father rather than pleasant ones and thus does not sink into a nostalgic depressed. As a result, the student is able to distance himself from the memories of his father and instead focus on the task at hand.

My question is, is it possible for the subconscious to do something like this? And if so, is there a specific term for it?