Thought Suppression And Intrusive Thoughts

Explore the impact of thought suppression with this resource, offering insights into how intrusive thoughts are intensified when suppressed.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Overview

Suppression is a common approach to unwanted thoughts, worriers, doubts, or urges. Unfortunately, there are good reasons why this strategy fails. This information handout explores thought suppression and the intrusiveness of thoughts.

Why Use This Resource?

Understanding the intrusiveness of thoughts and thought suppress is important for many clients. This resource can:

  • Serve as a psychoeducation tool for clients.
  • Facilitate discussions around thought processes.
  • Highlight the effects of trying to suppress intrusive thoughts.

Key Benefits

Educational

Emphasizes the effects of trying to suppress intrusive thoughts.

Engaging

Introduces an experiment that illustrates the effects of suppression.

Comprehensive

Relevant to a variety of mental health difficulties.

Who is this for?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Attempts to suppress intrusive thoughts that cause distress.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Repeated attempts to suppress distressing intrusive memories.

Depression

Trying to push away negative thoughts.

Integrating it into your practice

01

Discuss

Use the resource to introduce and discuss thought suppression.

02

Demonstrate

Conduct the 'white bear' experiment to highlight the effects of suppression.

03

Discuss

Use findings to discuss the impact of trying to push away specific thoughts.

04

Plan

Develop strategies for clients to handle intrusive thoughts without suppression.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Thought suppression is a finding from experimental psychology with particularly strong applicability to clinical work. The basic finding is that the harder one tries not to think of something, the more that item intrudes into consciousness. This effect is stronger for thoughts that have emotional content. Thought suppression is a common feature of problems such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) where individuals attempt to suppress intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts (and thought suppression) are also features of other clinical conditions such as PTSD and depression. There is evidence that techniques such as cognitive restructuring, or mindfulness/acceptance are helpful techniques for managing intrusive cognitions. This information sheet gives a simple outline of thought suppression, and the effects of trying to suppress intrusive thoughts.

What's inside

  • An introduction to thought suppression.
  • Therapist guidance for using the resource with clients.
  • Key references and recommendations for further reading.
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FAQs

Thought suppression is the deliberate attempt to avoid thinking about certain thoughts, often resulting in the opposite effect with increased thought occurrences.
Intrusive thoughts are unwelcome, involuntary, and often carry emotional weight, making them harder to suppress.
The 'rebound effect' refers to the phenomenon where suppressed thoughts occur more frequently once attempts to suppress them cease.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

By increasing understanding of thought suppression, this resource can help clients:

  • Reflect on how they respond to unwelcome thoughts.
  • Reduce attempts to suppress intrusive thoughts.
  • Encourage acceptance over avoidance.

References And Further Reading

  • Wegner, D.M. (1989). White bears and other unwanted thoughts: Suppression, obsession, and the psychology of mental control. London: The Guilford Press.
  • Wegner, D. M. (2011). Setting free the bears: Escape from thought suppression. American Psychologist, 671-680.
  • Wegner, D. M., Schnider, D. J., Carter, S. III., White, L. (1987). Paradoxical effects of thought suppression. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53, 5-13.
  • Wenzlaff, R. M., Wegner, D. M. (2000). Thought suppression. Annual Reviews in Psychology, 51, 59-91.