Hi, Dotsie and Mountain Ash,
I agree, that this "block out" is a form of self preservation. When things can get scary, especially to kids, they protect themselves by blocking it out. That makes so much sense to me, too.

If something is going to be hurtful or painful--as "Mountain Ash" says--yes, the brain, which is all about self-preservation, doesn't "delve there." That's a good way to put it.

I haven't seen the film "Secrets and Lies," though I'd love to. It sounds fascinating.
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author, "Fearless Confessions: A Writer's Guide to Memoir"
www.suewilliamsilverman.com