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In defence of thought stopping
Citation
Bakker, G, In defence of thought stopping, Clinical Psychologist, 13, (2) pp. 59 - 68. ISSN 1328-4207 (2009) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1080/13284200902810452
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.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
---|---|
Research Division: | Health Sciences |
Research Group: | Health services and systems |
Research Field: | Mental health services |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Provision of health and support services |
Objective Field: | Mental health services |
UTAS Author: | Bakker, G (Mr Gary Bakker) |
ID Code: | 86450 |
Year Published: | 2009 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 14 |
Deposited By: | Medicine |
Deposited On: | 2013-09-17 |
Last Modified: | 2015-03-05 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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