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Updated: Jun 25, 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
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may reduce thought suppression in previously suicidal participants: findings from
Silvia R Hepburn1, Catherine Crane, Thorsten Barnhofer
1University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. silvia.hepburn@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Objectives:
Thought suppression is a strategy aimed at mental control that may paradoxically increase the frequency of unwanted thoughts. This preliminary study examined effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on thought suppression and depression in individuals with past depression and suicidality.
Methods:
In a randomized controlled trial design, 68 participants were allocated to an MBCT group or a treatment-as-usual waitlist control. Measures of thought suppression and depression were taken pre- and post-treatment.
Results:
MBCT did not reduce thought suppression as measured by the White Bear Suppression Inventory, but significantly reduced self-reported attempts to suppress in the previous week.
Conclusions:
Preliminary evidence suggests that MBCT for suicidality may reduce thought suppression, but differential effects on thought suppression measures warrant further studies.
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