Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression
Published on: May 19, 2015
'When suppression backfires': the ironic effects of suppressing eating-related thoughts
Barbara Soetens1, Caroline Braet, Peter Dejonckheere
1Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. Barbara.Soetens@UGent.be
Abstract:
Based on Wegner's Ironic Processing Theory, this study examines the effects of suppressing eating-related thoughts in a sample of 77 female students. A distinction was made between disinhibited restrainers (high dietary restraint/high disinhibition), inhibited restrainers (high dietary restraint/low disinhibition) and low restrainers. Results indicate that disinhibited restrainers used thought suppression more often and were the only group to show a rebound effect for eating-related thoughts after suppression. No effects of suppression on willingness and desire to eat emerged. Hence, thought suppression may be counterproductive at least for a subgroup of restrainers and may fuel eating-related preoccupations. More research is required to evaluate effects on eating behaviour.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Confirmation Biases
Repressed Memory
Cognitive Dissonance
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorders

