In defence of thought stopping

Abstract

Thought stopping (TS) has a long and established history as an effective mental control technique among the cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT). Recent claims have arisen, particularly from acceptance and mindfulness-based authors, that thought suppression -and therefore TS -is counterproductive. These claims take the syllogistic form: TS is a form of thought suppression. All thought suppression is counterproductive. Therefore TS is counterproductive. This paper examines the evidence for and against each of these propositions, covering the literature related to anxiety, depression, exposure therapy, and the special case of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is concluded that TS is a very particular form of thought suppression. Undifferentiated thought suppression has mixed and mild effects on psychopathological mental states, but TS can be highly effective if it is applied judiciously within a CBT model. It can enhance a person's coping repertoire. And this effect appears to be stronger than any possible concurrent dilution of habituation effects in exposure therapy.

Feeling exhausted or vigorous in anticipation of high workload? The role of worry and planning during the evening

“…However, as worry occurs involuntarily (Borkovec et al, 1983), this might not simply be achievable by recommending employees not to worry. Moreover, techniques from cognitivebehavioural therapy such as the thought stopping technique may help to prevent worry (Bakker, 2009). For instance, physical exercise is positively related to psychological detachment from workrelated thoughts (Feuerhahn et al, 2014).…”

“…Additionally, employees could engage in joint activities with partners such as sharing a meal, which may foster psychological detachment from work (Hahn et al, 2014). Moreover, techniques from cognitivebehavioural therapy such as the thought stopping technique may help to prevent worry (Bakker, 2009). This technique instructs persons to say 'stop' mentally or out loud when they find themselves worrying.…”

How do anxious children attempt to regulate worry? Results from a qualitative study with an experimental manipulation

“…Most evidence points towards thought suppression as a maladaptive strategy, as it may lead to an increase in the occurrence of the unwanted thoughts (Rassin, Merckelbach, & Muris, ; Wegner, ). There are, however, many ways in which an individual can attempt to suppress or remove thoughts (Bakker, ; Gosselin et al ., ; Sexton & Dugas, ), and certain ways of thought stopping may actually be beneficial (Bakker, ). Our study sheds light on how children in their own words describe thought suppression.…”

A Cognitive Behavioral Course for At-risk Senior Nursing Students Preparing to Take the NCLEX

“…Thought stopping has been used for individuals who experience many types of anxiety, depression, and obsessional ruminations. [19][20][21][22] This technique should be used if repetitive or intrusive thoughts exist that are unrealistic, unproductive, and often anxiety provoking. Examples may include ''I will never be able to pass this test'' or ''I am never going to be a nurse.''…”

“…Thought stopping is a behavioral technique that can be very effective in reducing negative cognitions. [19][20][21][22] Students are taught to become aware of negative or destructive thoughts then stopping them and redirecting them to more realistic or positive ones. Thought stopping has been used for individuals who experience many types of anxiety, depression, and obsessional ruminations.…”