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Related Experiment Videos

Rebound effects following deliberate thought suppression: does PTSD make a difference?

J Gayle Beck1, Berglind Gudmundsdottir, Sarah A Palyo

  • 1University at Buffalo-SUNY, NY 14260, USA. jgbeck@buffalo.edu

Behavior Therapy
|July 1, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Deliberately suppressing trauma-related thoughts after a motor vehicle accident (MVA) backfired, causing more intrusive thoughts for both PTSD+ and PTSD- individuals. This rebound increased distress and reduced perceived control over thinking.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Trauma Studies
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Background:

  • Trauma-related thoughts are common after motor vehicle accidents (MVA).
  • The effectiveness of thought suppression in managing these intrusive thoughts is debated, especially in individuals with and without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Previous research shows mixed results regarding thought suppression and its impact on trauma survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of deliberate thought suppression on trauma-related thoughts in individuals with and without PTSD following an MVA.
  • To explore the impact of thought suppression on emotional state, perceived thought control, and physiological arousal.
  • To clarify discrepancies in the literature regarding thought suppression in trauma populations.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Recruited 44 PTSD+ and 26 PTSD- individuals who experienced an MVA.
  • Assessed MVA-related thought frequency, mood, perceived thought controllability, and physiological arousal (heart rate, skin conductance, facial EMG).
  • Instructed participants to deliberately suppress MVA-related thoughts and measured outcomes post-suppression.

Main Results:

  • Both PTSD+ and PTSD- groups exhibited a rebound effect, experiencing an increase in MVA-related thoughts after suppression.
  • This thought rebound correlated with increased negative affect, anxiety, and distress.
  • Perceived control over thoughts decreased, while physiological measures showed mixed results, with increased frontalis EMG and potentially reduced heart rate.

Conclusions:

  • Deliberate suppression of trauma-related thoughts leads to a rebound effect in help-seeking individuals after an MVA, regardless of PTSD diagnosis.
  • Thought suppression may be a maintaining factor for trauma-related distress and psychological issues.
  • Further research is needed to understand the implications of thought suppression for trauma recovery and to develop effective interventions.