Title

The Effects of Target Valence on Thought Suppression Efficacy

Author

Tesalee K Sensibaugh

Faculty Sponsor

Joel Alexander

Abstract

Thought suppression is a mental control strategy used in attempt to suppress unwanted thoughts. Unfortunately, it often causes a paradoxical increase in the frequency of such thoughts, both immediately (as an ‘initial enhancement effect’) and after thought suppression efforts have been ended (‘ironic rebound effect’). Research surrounding the role played by the valence of the relevant material on thought suppression efficacy has been limited. Despite this limitation, the current paper proposes to review the available thought suppression-valence literature and, from it, determine the role played by target valence on thought suppression efficacy and other suppression outcomes. Considered overall, the extant literature appears to suggest that target valence is not a major determinant of thought suppression outcomes, although further research is needed to confirm this theory.

Subject

Cognitive Psychology

Thought suppression

valence

mental control strategies

Rights

Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/01/2023, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.

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Type

Text

volume

3

Date Published

5/28/2014

Note

Joel Alexander

Identifier

pure/vol3/iss1/11

Language

eng