Individual differences in self-reported thought control: the role of the repressive coping sytle

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Conscious thought control is a complex cognitive process.
• Repression and thought suppression are related but distinct defense mechanisms.
• Understanding individual differences in managing unwanted thoughts is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in conscious thought control between repressors and non-repressors.
• To examine the relationship between trait anxiety, defensiveness, and thought control abilities.
• To explore the tendency to suppress unwanted thoughts in different psychological profiles.

Main Methods:

• A study involving sixty-three Spanish university students.
• Utilized the Thought Control Ability Questionnaire (TCAQ) and the White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI).
• Assessed participants based on trait anxiety and defensiveness levels.

Main Results:

• Low-anxiety subjects (repressors and low anxious) reported higher perceived ability to control unpleasant thoughts.
• Low-anxiety subjects exhibited a lower tendency to suppress thoughts compared to high-anxiety subjects.
• High-anxiety subjects (high anxious and defensive high anxious) showed greater difficulty in thought control and higher suppression tendencies.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with lower anxiety and repressive coping styles perceive better control over unwanted thoughts.
• Lower anxiety is associated with less effortful thought suppression.
• Findings contribute to understanding the interplay between repression, anxiety, and cognitive control strategies.