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Effectiveness of association splitting in reducing unwanted intrusive thoughts in a nonclinical sample
Boris C Rodríguez-Martín1, Steffen Moritz, Osana Molerio-Pérez
1Central University of Las Villas-UCLV, Cuba. borisc@uclv.edu.cu
Background:
Association Splitting (AS) is a novel cognitive technique, which has shown some promise for the reduction of obsessive thoughts in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Its effect on unwanted intrusive thoughts (UITs) in the general population is yet unknown.
Method:
Our experimental study tested the effect of AS in 49 participants who reported UITs as a regular problem. Participants were randomly allocated either to an AS versus waitlist control (WL) condition. The White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI) was used for measuring changes over time.
Results:
Significant group differences were found across time. Relative to WL, AS exerted a positive effect on the reduction of UITs yielding a large effect size. According to self-report AS exerted a positive effect 6 days after the participants had initiated the exercises. All subjects in the AS condition judged the technique as effective.
Conclusion:
Results suggest that AS could be a suitable intervention to help people with a potential vulnerability to a clinical problem to control their UITs.
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