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Suppression and ritualistic behaviour in normal participants
E Rassin1, H Merckelbach, P Muris
1Department of Psychology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. e.rassin@psychology.unimaas.nl
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|July 2, 1999
Summary
Thought suppression is linked to more intense, discomforting, and resistance-provoking ritualistic behaviors. This suggests chronic thought suppression may contribute to ritualistic behaviors, warranting further investigation into this connection.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Ritualistic behaviors, whether normal or abnormal, are differentiated by characteristics like frequency, intensity, discomfort, and resistance, not content.
- Previous research indicates that the distinction between normal and abnormal rituals lies in their experiential qualities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential link between habitual thought suppression and the characteristics of ritualistic behaviors.
- To determine if individuals who habitually suppress thoughts experience rituals differently compared to non-suppressors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 166 undergraduate students.
- Administration of questionnaires assessing thought suppression (White Bear Suppression Inventory) and ritualistic behaviors.
- Comparison of ritual characteristics between habitual thought suppressors (N=20) and non-suppressors (N=20).
Main Results:
- Habitual thought suppressors reported their rituals as more intense, discomforting, and resistance-provoking than non-suppressors.
- No significant differences were found between groups regarding the content, frequency, or perceived senselessness of their rituals.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a correlation between chronic thought suppression and heightened negative experiences associated with ritualistic behaviors.
- While causality cannot be inferred due to the study's design, the results support the hypothesis that thought suppression may exacerbate ritualistic behaviors.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise relationship between thought suppression strategies and the manifestation of ritualistic behaviors.