Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Extinction Training During the Reconsolidation Window Prevents Recovery of Fear
Published on: August 24, 2012
Attempting suppression of traumatic memories over extended periods in acute stress disorder
Abstract:
This study investigated the influence of attempted suppression and thought control strategies on traumatic memories. Survivors of civilian trauma with acute stress disorder (ASD; n = 20) and without ASD (n = 20) monitored their trauma-related thoughts for three 24-h periods. In period 1, participants were instructed to think about anything. In period 2, participants were administered suppression or nonsuppression instructions relating to thoughts of the trauma. In period 3, participants were again instructed to think about anything. The results revealed no evidence for an increase in trauma-related thoughts following suppression instructions. Punishment and worry thought control strategies correlated significantly with both anxiety and suppression ratings. Frequency of intrusions was associated with a distraction cognitive strategy. These findings point to the importance of traumatised individuals' cognitive strategies in mediating the management and occurrence of posttraumatic intrusions.
More Related Videos
07:59Using Practice Testing, Public Speaking, and Source Monitoring to Examine the Influences of Learning Strategies and Stress on Episodic Memory
Published on: June 14, 2019
08:20Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Virtual Reality Exposure
Published on: January 18, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Traumatic Memory
Repressed Memory
Psychological Responses to Stress
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative Fugue
A hallmark feature of dissociative disorders is the dissociative fugue...
Dissociative Amnesia