What term describes the process of relieving emotional tension by expressing feelings?

The term that describes the process of relieving emotional tension by expressing feelings is catharsis. Catharsis refers to the release of strong or repressed emotions, allowing individuals to feel a sense of relief or emotional cleansing. This process can occur through various means such as talking, writing, or engaging in creative activities. It is often used in therapeutic contexts to help individuals confront and process their emotions, leading to personal growth and alleviation of psychological stress.

In contrast, the other terms involve different psychological processes. Suppression is the conscious decision to exclude certain thoughts or feelings from awareness, which does not facilitate emotional release but rather inhibits it. Compensation represents a strategy where an individual bolsters their self-esteem in one area to make up for perceived shortcomings in another, rather than addressing emotional tension directly. Projection involves attributing one's own undesirable feelings or thoughts onto another person, which also does not facilitate cathartic expression of one's true emotions.