Thought suppression

Annu Rev Psychol. 2000:51:59-91. doi: 10.1146/annurev.psych.51.1.59.

Abstract

Although thought suppression is a popular form of mental control, research has indicated that it can be counterproductive, helping assure the very state of mind one had hoped to avoid. This chapter reviews the research on suppression, which spans a wide range of domains, including emotions, memory, interpersonal processes, psychophysiological reactions, and psychopathology. The chapter considers the relevant methodological and theoretical issues and suggests directions for future research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cognition
  • Emotions
  • Humans
  • Individuality
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Memory
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / psychology
  • Psychotherapeutic Processes
  • Repression, Psychology*
  • Social Perception
  • Thinking*